Young people will be encouraged to display their talents in poetry and singing when Def Floetry Jam holds its free-style event at the Leopard?s Club.

The event is being sponsored by the Ministry of Community Affairs and Sport and is the first of three being planned in conjunction with the organisers of Chewstick Poetry Night as summer entertainment for teenagers and young adults.

Apart from poetry and singing, young people will also have an opportunity to display their creative talents in writing, impromptu speaking and free-style rap on Sunday, July 24 at the Leopard?s Club.

Minister of Community Affairs and Sport, Dale Butler has given the Def Floetry Jam his full support.

?The session will offer a relaxed venue for teens and young adults to come together in harmony and where they can express themselves in a positive and constructive manner on issues affecting society,? Mr. Butler said.

?Although society was rightly concerned about escalating violence and the negative behaviour that some young adults are choosing to express themselves, I am confident the vast majority are law abiding.?

The Minister feels young people simply need somewhere safe where they can just hang out, be themselves, and have a good time interacting with their peers.

The Minister said he encouraged all interested young people to attend the event organisers and that he was looking forward to the event being a successful one.

The theme for the first Def Floetry Jam is ?Freedom Of Speech?.

Those interested in participating will be able to register on the night of the event.

Doors open at 6.00 p.m. The Ministry reminded reminded parents and those intending to attend that an atmosphere of positive reinforcement will be in place, with security personal on duty.

Attendees will be required to adhere to a code of conduct where the use of illegal substances, alcoholic beverages, profanity, obscene or threatening remarks will be banned.