Antigua and Barbuda places third in FCCA's Children's Essay Contest 2008 [view photo]

Terrikia Benjamin, of the St. John's Catholic Primary School has been awarded 3rd place in this year's Junior Division of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Foundation Children's Essay Contest.

Benjamin's essay was chosen through a National selection process and was submitted by the Ministry of Tourism, to represent Antigua and Barbuda, in the regional competition.

"This is the second consecutive year that Antigua and Barbuda has placed in the top three in the FCCA Foundation Children's Essay Contest. This demonstrates that our students are becoming more knowledgeable on the subject of tourism and more comfortable with expressing themselves in writing", said Tourism Education, Training and Awareness Manager, Cynthia Simon.

"We are pleased with the support provided by the Ministry of Education, in particular the Education Zone Officers, parents, participating schools' principals, and teachers of all the students who entered this year's competition. We continue to encourage them to have their students participate in the contest which allows them the opportunity to present their views on cruise tourism.

Students who entered this year's contest were required to address the topic "What steps can we take as a destination to make cruise passengers feel more welcome while in port."

For her third place essay, which highlights such steps as beautifying the destination, providing training to tourism workers and appointing tourism ambassadors, Benjamin will receive a cash scholarship of US$1000. Her school, the St. John's Catholic Primary, will also receive a monetary award of US$1000.

Yasmin Ephraim of the Antigua Girls' High School represented the country in the Senior Division. She will receive US$200 for reaching the final round.

15 countries from across the Caribbean submitted entries in this year's competition which was geared at students ages 12 and under for the Junior Division and 13 - 16 for the Senior Division.