Kelsia Liburd

Twelve-year-old Kelsia Liburd of the Gingerland Secondary School is the regional winner, in the junior division, of the 2010 FCCA Foundation Children Environmental Poster Contest.

The Nevisian student was selected as the first place winner in her category from among entries from fifteen (15) participating countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. Her captivating poster was entitled Listen, the time to act is now - Protect our Coral Reefs.

Using the illustration of a clock she outlined the urgent actions that are necessary to save our reefs and marine life. Kelsia will be awarded awarded a cash scholarship of US$3000.00, while her school will receive the same amount from the FCCA.

This is the second consecutive year Kelsia has placed in the top three position regionally. Last year, Kelsia's poster entitled The Environment Through my Eyes caught the judges' attention for 2nd overall spot in the Caribbean.

In expressing words of commendation to the winning student, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Tyrone O'Flaherty said, "Nevis has once again shown that our students can compete with the best in the region, in terms of raw talent and creativity.

In her own right, Kelsia deserves this supreme achievement, going from impressive challenger last year to top of the class this time around."

Kelsia Liburd and Christin Scarborough of the Charlestown Secondary School were chosen as the winners of the contest for Nevis in the junior and senior categories respectively by local judges. Their posters were forwarded to the FCCA headquarters in Florida to compete regionally. Christin will receive US $200.00 for placing first in his category on the country level.

Local coordinator of the contest, Ms. Vanessa Webbe, Research and Documentation Officer at the Ministry of Tourism extended congratulations to the local winners. She also lauded the students for the impressive work they submit each year, distinguishing themselves as regional winners.

Each year, students in FCCA's partner destinations are invited to participate in the poster competition which is geared towards promoting and stimulating environmental awareness and effectively educating younger generations on the importance of environmental protection.