RADHICA DE SILVA
Senior Multimedia Reporter
Weeks after winning five medals and two awards at the World Championships of Performing Arts, musical director Roy Gomez called on the government to invest more in youth talent.
Gomez, of RG Musical Productions and Services, has spent almost 47 years working with young people.
Last July he was recognised for his contribution to the performing arts at the 2026 World Championships of Performing Arts in Las Vegas, United States.
Gomez received a gold medal for his dedication and commitment to performance at the championships, held from July 13 to 23.
Speaking to Guardian Media, Gomez said developing young talent is about far more than teaching a child to sing, dance or perform.
“It is about building confidence, character and the courage to step onto a world stage,” he added. Gomez said the Trinidad and Tobago contingent competed in several disciplines, including musical theatre, gospel, Latin, opera, R&B, contemporary, calypso, acting and soca dance, eventually earning two gold medals, two silver medals and a bronze medal. Assistant director Curlissa Charles also attended the event.
Among those receiving medals were Asia Tidd, who won gold and silver. Maya Mattai who won gold and silver as well as who. Mattai also emerged as Division winner in vocal Rhythm and Blues.
Gomez said despite the country’s wealth of talent, the performing arts often receive recognition only after performers achieve success abroad.
“Unfortunately, the only time things are recognised is when you go outside, you do your comeback, then they celebrate you,” he said.
Gomez said greater attention must be paid to the development process behind every successful performer.
“What they see is the finished product, but nobody understands what goes on behind the scenes to get the product where it is,” he said.
Recalling his own journey, Gomez said his musical career began unexpectedly.
Coming from a family with no musical background, Gomez said he was once a shy young man who had never sung before joining the choir at Mon Repos Church.
He eventually overcame his shyness, developed his voice and went on to train others.
That transformation has shaped his approach to teaching.
Gomez said music is a vehicle for character building and preparing young people for life.
“I don’t just teach music. I talk to them about life, about their whole development and what is expected,” he said.
He has worked with students from several schools and institutions over the decades. Saying music has become his passion, Gomez called for more investment in the sector.
He said greater resources for the arts and sports could give young people constructive avenues to develop their talents, particularly at a time when there are concerns about youth crime and idleness.
Investing in young people through the arts could help keep them away from negative influences while giving them the skills and confidence to succeed, he added.
Meanwhile, Tidd, a student of Holy Faith Convent, who placed second in the semi-finals and first in the finals of the soca dance category, thanked Gomez for their assistance, saying he helped her to develop her craft.
She also acknowledged the support of the Renaissance Cultural Group, saying the guidance and care she received helped take her talent to another level.
Tidd also said greater Government investment in the performing arts could open doors for more young people.
She said many talented youths lack the resources to pursue their ambitions and that increased support could help them take their talents further.
