When the island’s children are exposed to the tourism industry from an early age it gives the assurance that the future is secured.
Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy made this point as he lauded students who participated in the 2010 Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Children’s Essay Contest, coordinated by his ministry.
He said: “We are constantly hearing that our children are our future. When we educate and expose our children to this vital industry, they will have the wisdom to cope with what lies ahead and we can rest assured that our future and their[s] are in good hands.”
Pointing out that the Ministry also provided numerous opportunities for the youth to be part of the industry; he said that in addition to FCCA Essay and Environmental competitions, participants had over the years been exposed to educational tours to various attractions across the island, site visits to hotels and cruise ships docking at the Bridgetown Port. Mr. Sealy noted that this was to “develop and sharpen their own thinking, writing and artistic skills.”
Tourism Development Officer, Marsha Armstrong, said the entries for this year’s essay contest had declined, moving from 60 in 2009 to 13 in 2010 and attributed this to students having to concentrate on various examinations during the competition period (mid-June).
The first placed winner in the Junior Division at the local level was Britney Sealy of Trinity Academy. Second place went to Niamke Branch of Luther Thorne Memorial, while third place was awarded to Gabrielle Leonce from St. David’s Primary.
In the Senior Division, the winner was Lona Maria Whitney of the St. Michael School. Placing second was Terrell White from Alexandra School and Joshua Hinds of Harrison College. (BGIS)
