Cornwall College Tops JMA ‘Buy Jamaica’ Essay Competition

The St. James-based Cornwall College emerged the top school in the Jamaica Manufacturer’s Association (JMA) ‘Buy Jamaican, Build Jamaica’ essay competition, copping cash prizes valued at $135,000 and two computers at the award ceremony held yesterday (May 17) at the JMA’s Duke Street offices in Kingston.
Samuel Downer, who placed first in the 16-18 age category, received $40,000 and a computer; Cedron Walters, who was first in the 12-15 age group, also received a computer and $35,000, while Garrett Fairclough, who placed second in the same age category, walked away with a cash prize of $20,000.
The teachers who assisted them also collected $40,000.Sums valued at $295,000 were presented to students representing five schools across the island, along with trophies and certificates. Winners in all age categories were presented with a Compaq Presario computer for their schools.
University of Technology student, Roxanne Wanliss, who placed first in the open category for persons 19 years and over, received $50,000, while Jemela Caldwell of St. Aloysius Primary School, who was the winner in the 8-11 age group, got $20,000.
JMA President, Doreen Frankson, in her address, noted that the essays were of “excellent” quality. Students were given four questions from which to choose but the most popular one was: ‘We must instill a culture of ‘Buy Jamaican within our youths. Discuss.’
“This year, the entrants were very creative in communicating their thoughts using poetry, quotes and songs. They conducted interviews and informal surveys whilst the participants in the open category conducted in-depth research and provided data to support their points.”
She also hailed the parents and teachers, who assisted the students, noting that their “contribution enhanced the content of the essays and subsequently the standard of the competition.”
Miss Frankson told the students that “your job has just begun; now that you understand the importance of buying local you must go back to your communities, schools, churches and homes and convince all you come in contact with to buy Jamaica.”
She further urged the parents and teachers to look for products labeled ‘Made in Jamaica’ in the supermarkets, buy from local companies and service providers, and join in spreading the Buy Jamaican message. The ‘Buy Jamaican’ essay competition, which began in 2004, was created by the JMA to persuade young people to support local industries. The competition is sponsored by National Commercial Bank and the Private Sector Development Programme.