TPDCo Accepting Entries for Spruce Up Essay Competition

The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), is accepting entries for its ‘Spruce Up Jamaica, Nice Up Yuh Self’ Essay competition, which is geared at exposing young Jamaicans to Brand Jamaica and the offerings of the tourism sector.
Speaking with JIS News, Spruce Up Jamaica Co-ordinator, Marline Stephenson-Dalley, explained that the competition would “engage young people to start thinking about this thing we call Brand Jamaica, what it is, what makes it special and unique and how they can fit into the mix.”
Mrs. Stephenson-Dalley explained that the competition is open to individuals 13 to 25 years of age, who are required to write on one of two topics: ‘Our history and cultural heritage are important in distinguishing Brand Jamaica. Explain how these can be utilised to diversify and improve Jamaica’s tourism product’ or ‘Discuss the importance of a clean and healthy environment showing how this impacts on tourism earnings’.
The essay should be no less than 300 words and must be submitted to the TPDCo offices by September 18, 2009, along with the entrant’s name, date of birth, telephone number, e-mail address and the slogan: ‘Spruce Up Jamaica, Nice Up Yuh Self’.
The Co-ordinator informed that the criteria for selection of essays are based on organisation, creativity, content, research, facts and the analysis of the information. Winners will be chosen from two categories – 13 to 17 years and 18 to 25 years.
Winner in the 13 to 17 category will receive $50,000 in cash, the Spruce Up Jamaica trophy and a weekend for three at Sunset Beach or Sunset Jamaica Grande; second place will get $30,000 and weekend for four at the Grand Palladium Hotels and Resorts, while third place will receive $20,000 and weekend for four at one of the Riu Resorts.
Prizes in the 18 to 25 category include: first place $50,000, Spruce Up Jamaica trophy, 7 nights for two at Starfish Trelawny and weekend passes to Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival 2010; second prize $30,000 and weekend for four at a Riu Resort, and third prize $20,000 and weekend for four at Grand Palladium Hotels and Resorts.
Other prizes include complimentary passes to Chukka Caribbean Adventure Tours, Appleton Estate Rum Tours, Kool Runnings Water Park and Mystic Mountain; mobile phones from LIME and publication of the winning essays in the Gleaner’s Youth Link magazine.
For further information on the ‘Spruce Up Jamaica, Nice Up Yuh Self’ Essay competition, persons may contact the offices of the TPDCo at 979-7987 or 968-3441.