Tasha is Emancipated

AT 22, she has accomplished most of her goals which she dreamt of as a child, and she is rooted deep in her culture. Tasha George has also spent 14 years with the Malick Folk Performers, winning the respect and admiration of longstanding members. “Growing up in Malick has moulded me into the individual that I am. I am now able to give back to the girls who are younger than I am,” she said. The one reason why the Malick Folk Performers has been able to excel in all aspects of Best Village, she pointed out, is because those in authority have held the group together through the years. Also, members keep busy all through the year practising and performing. Tasha, who has excelled in dance, music and drama, noted that she has encountered many hiccups, but she has been able to conquer the odds and make it through the hard times. She entered the La Riene Rive competition in 2001, and though she did not win, she was chosen to represent TT at the “Miss Eastervale” competition in St Vincent.

She brought home the “Miss Eastervale” crown and she was then selected to enter yet another Caribbean competition, “Miss Canouan” in the Grenadines, which she also won. These two victories really gave her a big boost in life. Since 2001, she has been contracted by several organisations and village councils to train queen contestants. As can be expected, she is working with two queens for the Miss Emancipation WASA contest on August 6. “I find great joy in tutoring the girls in their speech, modelling and make-up. For me, it is like giving them the opportunity to shine in front of an audience and having been there before, I know it could be a trying time for them,” she revealed. African culture is close to Tasha’s heart as she grew up loving her culture and participating in every aspect of it. Naturally, she selects the best African gowns for the many social events to which she is invited.

She encourages young people, especially women, to get involved in culture. “There is a lot that can be had from culture. You get to meet people and dance and sing with them. There is unity and togetherness among the people of your group. This gives you a sense of belonging, and even though there are times when you will be disappointed, the chances are you’ll live a happier life.” Tasha is pursuing a Diploma in Social Work at the School of Continuing Studies. She hopes to work with village groups to help achieve a better society. About Emancipation Day she says, “I believe that people should take the time to reflect on the days of slavery and to recount the efforts made by the Africans back then.” It is her desire to see people come together and work to build a better Trinidad and Tobago Tasha gave credit to her father Ralph George for being there when she needed him.