JIS Annual Jamaica Independence Essay Competition-2011

 Entries are now being accepted for the 11th annual Independence Essay Competition of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) in Miami. The competition forms part of the celebrations observing Jamaica’s 49th anniversary of Independence and Emancipation across the Florida communities.

The contest is open to all Jamaican children, first and second generation, and residing in Florida State, The deadline for participating entries is Friday, July 22nd. The winner in each category will be awarded with a plaque from the Jamaica Consulate General, and a monetary gift presentation from the Partners for Youth Foundation, a South Florida non profit organization committed to the enhancement and development of young women locally, and in Jamaica, through the performing arts and cultural development.

The merit to the annual Essay competition is to advance community awareness while exposing our youth to their Jamaican culture and heritage. As they research and prepare the 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. This year, selection of topics will focus on Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of Independence to be celebrated next year.

Children in the Diaspora are being encouraged to take interest in the annual Essay Competition realizing 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 JIS office at the Jamaica Consulate General in Miami located at 25 Southeast Second Avenue, Suite 609, telephone (305-374-8431--ext. 232) email JISMIAMI@BELLSOUTH.NET or the Consulate’s website at WWW.JAMAICACGMIAMI.ORG

JAMAICA INFORMATION SERVICE - JAMAICA INDEPENDENCE ESSAY COMPETITION – 2011 OVERVIEW

Essay topics are as follows:

1. Talk about your experience in Jamaica as a tourist. Briefly share your adventure about one of your favorite places visited – for example a place of recreation, a historic landmark or even time spent with a Jamaican family.
2. How can the Jamaican youth in the Diaspora best contribute to Jamaica’s national development.
3. After 50 years of gaining Independence from Great Britain, would you say that Jamaica has achieved any of its goals for example political and economic freedom, and social equality.
4. Briefly describe the events that led to Jamaica’s gaining its Independence from Great Britain on August 6, 1962.
5. As Jamaica prepares for its 50th year of Independence, what are some of the achievements that have been made by Jamaicans worldwide. For example, describe the accomplishments of any one outstanding Jamaican.
6. How would you like to see Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of Independence celebrated in your community.
7. What is your opinion of reggae music today, and explain the role that this genre of music has played in Jamaica’s social, cultural and economic development.
8. Briefly describe the significance of Jamaica’s six national symbols.

Each entrant must choose only one topic. The response must NOT exceed two pages and should be double-spaced.

Essays can be emailed to JISMIAMI@BELLSOUTH.NET or mailed to the Jamaica Information Service, 25 SE Second Avenue – Ste 609, Miami, FLA 33131.

Each entry must be accompanied by the contestant’s name, address, telephone number and age. There are three age categories for entrants: five to eight (5-8); nine to twelve (9-12); thirteen to eighteen (13-18). The deadline for entries is Friday July 22nd.