Entries are now being accepted for the 10th annual Independence Essay Competition of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) in Miami.  The competition forms part of the celebrations observing Jamaica’s 48th anniversary of Independence and Emancipation across the Florida communities.

The contest is open to all Jamaican children, first and second generation, and residing in Florida State, The deadline for participating entries is Friday, July 23rd.  The winner in each category will be awarded with a plaque from the Jamaica Consulate General, and a monetary gift presentation from the Partners for Youth Foundation, a South Florida non profit organization committed to the enhancement and development of young women locally, and in Jamaica, through the performing arts and cultural development.

The merit to the annual Essay competition is to advance community awareness while exposing our youth to their Jamaican culture and heritage.  As they research and prepare the compositions, applicants are given the opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history and culture; look at the impact of their Jamaican roots on their upbringing; and the positive events that have catapulted Jamaica and its Diaspora in the global arena.  

Children in the Diaspora are being encouraged to take interest in the annual Essay Competition realizing that the occasion would inspire young Jamaicans to more seriously consider learning the island of their origin.

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

Applicants must be between five and eighteen years of age and resident here in Florida.  There are three age categories for the responses five to eight (5-8); nine to twelve (9-12); and thirteen to eighteen (13-18).