It has been a busy week for Moses Leviy – the rapper formally known as Jamal Shyne Barrow. He has released three songs; the first being Messiah – his first solo track since his release from prison as well as a remix of Rihanna’s Rude Boy, and just yesterday he released another recording on an Alicia Keys track. But as we reported last night, Shyne also has a new gig in Belize. He has been appointed Musical Ambassador and will head the music program at NICH. He told Keith Swift all about his plans yesterday – at this first official appearance as the ambassador.

Keith Swift Reporting,
This is the Samuel Haynes Marching and Concert Band. There are 18 members - 17 of whom are primary school students ranging in age from 8 to 13. Newly appointed Music Ambassador Moses Leviy sat in on yesterday’s performance.

Moses Leviy aka Shyne, Music Ambassador
“For me it is incumbent upon me to give these same kids who might not have the financial resources that would provide for opportunities in music to give them opportunities because I was that kid, I had nothing but I had my music.”

But these kids have instruments which they received 11 months ago from UNICEF.

Christine Norten, Interim UNICEF Representative
“Here we have a possibility of building bridges, through creating a more friendly environment. The young people get involved in determining how they can murals on the walls, exercising some of their artistic skills and sports and music become an important thing. You try to develop like what is a wholelistic curriculum that goes beyond just the learning of academic subjects and I think in the Caribbean generally we have been very focused on the academics but now it is important to broaden and give all children an opportunity to have this wholistic upbringing and this is what this project is about and I think a good job is being done.”

The program is just one of the projects funded by the American Airlines “Change for Good” Campaign in Belize.

Craig Jordan, Senior Analyst - American Airlines
“The generosity of customers is outstanding. We raised over $1.2 million last year in the voluntary program that really starts with flight attendants making an announcement on board by saying we have a program here, we have an oppiortunity for you to get involved and if you would like to toss some money into the bag please do and customers toss everything from a nickel to hundred dollar bills in there in support of UNICEF. Last year 25% of the funds were voted on in area of great need and that money came here to Belize.”

Shyne will also be the head of the music program at NICH.

Moses Leviy aka Shyne,
“I am committed to doing everything I can, using all of my resources and along with Foreign Minister Elrington and NICH to provide these kids in Belize first and foremost and throughout the world with the opportunity that I had. I wish I knew how to play an instrument. I am actually learning to play the guitar right now so I know as a child growing up you are trying to find yourself, you want to develop, this is part of that development and that growth.”

Wilfred Sedi Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“We are hoping that Moses Leviy, officially working for the government as our musical ambassador and also as the director of the music program at NICH we will put Belize on a very strong footing to take its place in the world in music. What we want to have him become the director of the music program in NICH working in conjunction with NICH for the government of Belize so that he will put in train the formal music education in all our schools and learning institutions to give our children the chance to tap into that tremendous resource they have.”

Moses Leviy aka Shyne,
“I am committed to giving people the opportunity so they can prevent the grave or a jail cell or a dormant life. I want everybody to be as successful as I am and even if it is not in music, music helps develop the brain and I am an hip-hop dude, I am a Bob Marley guy but I listen to orchestra and sometimes when I am on the plane or in the car I listen to the symphony and it does something to the brain, it helps the brain develop and so having these kids do these things, athleticism with music does something for the soul and so even if they don’t become professional musicians it helps them to be better people and that is what we need. The message is you can do anything and it is important for these kids to see this.”