Consulate Launches Jamaica Independence Essay Competition

The Consulate General of Jamaica in Miami is now accepting entries for its Annual Essay Competition to mark Jamaica’s Independence Aniversary.

The competition is open to all Jamaican children, first and second generation, residing in Florida State, and forms part of the celebrations to observe the nation’s 50th anniversary of Independence throughout the Florida communities.

There are several topics of choice for the competition, launched this year under the theme of Jamaica’s responsibility, as stated in the National Pledge, of “advancing the welfare of the whole human race” and the merit in this project is to advance Diaspora Community awareness in a State that promotes diversity, while exposing our youth to their Jamaican culture and heritage.

As they research and prepare compositions, applicants are given the opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history and culture; record how their Jamaican roots has impacted their upbringing; and the positive events that have catapulted the image of Jamaica and her outstanding Diaspora in the global arena. According the Consul General, the Hon. Sandra Grant Griffiths, “Children of the Diaspora are being invited and encouraged to participate in the Essay Competition, to be inspired by our island’s rich history and cultural heritage and to take pride in the many accomplishments at home and abroad by the people of the island of our origin”.

The deadline for the submission of entries is Friday, July 6h. The winner in each category will be awarded with a plaque by the Consul General on Friday, July 27, 2012.

Eligible students can choose from a selection of topics related to the island’s cultural heritage some of which include community leadership, entertainment, education, history, cultural heritage, geography and national development.

Applicants must be between five and eighteen years of age, normally resident in the State of Florida, and submit entries in one of three age categories – five to eight (5-8); nine to twelve (9-12);  and thirteen to eighteen (13-18).