MIAMI – The Jamaica Information Service in Miami is now accepting entries for the annual Independence Essay Competition, which forms part of the Jamaica Independence celebrations throughout the Florida communities.
The contest now in its eighth year, is open to all Jamaican children, first and second generation, and residing in Florida State, The deadline for participating entries is Thursday, July 24th. The winner in each category will be awarded with a plaque from the Jamaica Consulate General.
The merit to this project is to advance community awareness while exposing our youth to their Jamaican culture and heritage. As they research and prepare 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.
Consul General Ricardo Allicock continues to encourage children in the Diaspora to take interest in the annual Essay Competition emphasizing 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).
For information on entering the contest, interested persons can contact the local JIS office at the Jamaica Consulate General in Miami located at 25 Southeast Second Avenue, Suite 609, telephone (305-374-8431 ext. 232) email [email protected] or the Consulate’s website at www.jamaicacgmiami.org
