JIS Miami office accepting entries for Independence essay contest

MIAMI — Entries are now being accepted for the 11th staging of the Independence essay competition organised by the Jamaica Information Service's (JIS) Miami office. 

The annual competition forms part of activities to mark Emancipation and Independence celebrations in Jamaican communities in Florida.

It is open to all first and second generation Jamaican children, five to 18 years old, who reside in Florida. They will be judged in the age categories five to eight; nine to 12; and 13 to 18 years.

Students can choose from a variety of topics related to community leadership, entertainment, education, history and culture, geography and national development. The deadline for entries is Friday, July 22. 

The winner in each category will be awarded a plaque from the Jamaica Consulate General, and a monetary prize from the Partners for Youth Foundation, a South Florida non-profit organisation 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 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 of Jamaicans in Florida are being encouraged to take interest in the annual contest, which will provide them with the opportunity to learn more about the country of their origin.

For further information on the contest, interested persons can contact the JIS office at the Jamaica Consulate General in Miami located at 25 Southeast Second Avenue, Suite 609, telephone (305-374-8431 ext. 232); email jismiami@bellsouth.net or the Consulate’s website at www.jamaicacgmiami.org

By CHERYL WYNTER, JIS Reporter