JIS Miami Accepting Entries for Independence Essay Competition

The Miami office of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) is accepting entries for the 2007 Independence essay competition, which is part of the annual Independence celebrations in Jamaican communities in Florida.
Open to all first and second generation Jamaican children, who reside in Florida, the merit of the competition is to advance community awareness while exposing the youngsters to their Jamaican culture and heritage.
Applicants are given the opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history and culture, the impact of their roots on their upbringing and the positive events that have catapulted Jamaica in the global arena, as they research and prepare compositions. They can choose from a selection of topics related to the culture and history of Jamaica and issues affecting the Jamaican Diaspora. These include community leadership, entertainment, education, history and culture, geography and national development. Applicants must be between five and 18 years of age and will be judged in three age categories – five to eight; nine to 12; and 13 to 18.
The deadline for entries is Thursday, July 26 and the winner in each category will be presented with a plaque by the Jamaica Consulate General.
Consul General to the Southeast United States, Ricardo Allicock encouraged children in the Diaspora to take an interest in the essay competition, noting that it would inspire young Jamaicans to more seriously consider learning more about the island of their origin.
For further information on the contest, persons may visit the JIS office located at the Jamaica Consulate General in Miami at 25 Southeast Second Avenue, Suite 609; telephone 305-374-8431 extension 112; or email jismiami@bellsouth.net.