By RHONDOR DOWLAT Saturday, January 3 2009

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Teenaged gospel singer Winsie Ann Cuffie....

POPULAR local gospel artiste Winsie-Ann Cuffie has addressed economic and social pessimism in her latest release “Prime Time For Your Goldmine”.

According to international reports, the world is currently experiencing a global economic slowdown and several countries including the United States have gone into a recession. Even in this country, there are predictions that this year the country may face some crucial economic problems, including a possible recession.

Last year, in November, Prime Minister Patrick Manning, announced a $5.3 billion reduction in the $49 billion national budget which was presented earlier in the year.

However, prolific teenage songwriter, Winsie Ann, who just returned from performing in St Lucia, told Newsday she strongly believed that God is one’s provider during “this challenging economic time” and urged citizens to look upon Him and seek Him first in all things.

“I don’t doubt the reality of the challenges we face, nor am I in denial about the gravity of certain aspects. I am however very convinced that too much of an emotion-driven, panic-driven, overly pessimistic response would make matters much worse. A positive perspective, with definite faith in the guiding and providing grace of the Lord, would do much more in terms of coping skills and creative problem-solving,” Winsie Ann said.

The song, which is already gaining considerable popularity, chides people for being too negative in perspective and attitude towards current economic and social challenges when there are substantial positives which can be focused upon.

Some Pastors are already endorsing “Goldmine” (as they call the song) claiming that so far it’s the only one which directly addresses the number one issue on everybody’s mind.

Bishop Dr David Ibeleme, of Victory Christian Outreach advised everyone to embrace the message behind the music.

“The song is very infectious and catchy. It’s message is relevant and timely. It resonates with everyone and it is the only song of that nature to address the issue directly, on the economic and social challenges.”

One churchgoer, Ann Richmond, a 35-year-old mother of three, of Arima remarked, “‘Goldmine’ has put hope and life back in my New Year resolution, God Bless you Winsie.”

The track is done in two infectious styles – Gospel-Soca and R&B – with some variation in lyrical content.

The message, in part, in her Gospel-Soca version goes:

I heard some people talking

’bout recession

They give such a gloomy impression

I even heard them say

The world is on the verge of

depression

But I know my Lord has told me

He’ll cover, guide and provide

for me

… so end your trouble

Start to bubble

2009, prime time for your goldmine.

In her R&B track, Winsie-Ann adds some direct flavouring from her daily radio feature “Winning With Winsie-Ann”.

They say the world is

about to crumble

Markets tumble, Wall Street stumble

People begin to tremble

But I say, walk like a winner

Talk like a winner

… 2009, prime time for your

goldmine

The song, which is played on Gospel radio and was a frontline feature in some churches’ Old Year’s night services, will soon be on the shelves of record shops across the country. It’s already on Winsie’s website www.winsieanncuffie.com.