In the junior division, 12-year-old Keelia English of the St. John’s Primary School is Nevis’ finalist, while 13-year old Chloe Williams of the Charlestown Secondary School won the senior division. Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry says he wishes both students the best of luck with their bid to become regional winners.

The two winning essays have been forwarded to FCCA’S office in Florida for the final round of the judging, where overall winners in the Caribbean will be selected. FCCA will award cash scholarships to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each category.

The first place winner will receive US$3,000, second place US$1,500 and third place US$1,000. As a reward to the students for their efforts, all finalists with the exception of first, second and third place winners will receive US$200.00.

Primary and secondary schools in Nevis were invited to submit essays of 300 to 500 words on the topic: “During This Global Economic Downturn, What Can A Destination Which Lives On Tourism Do To Persuade More Ships To Come To Their Destination?”

The participating schools in this year’s contest were the Ivor Walter’s Primary,VOJN, Joycelyn Liburd Primary, St.Thomas' Primary, Gingerland Primary, Charlestown Primary, Maude Crosse Preparatory, Lyn Jeffers, Gingerland and Charlestown Secondary Schools. Forty- three students participated in the Essay contest, which was coordinated on the local level by the Ministry of Tourism.