John Rickards wins ‘My Caribbean’ essay contest

26.OCT.07

The Ministry of Tourism announced on Tuesday that St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ representative at the 15th Annual 2007 Conde Nast Traveler “My Caribbean” Essay Finals, held in San Juan Puerto Rico, has been announced the winner.{{more}}

John Rickards, son of Glynis and John Rickards, former student of the Windsor Primary School and current student of the St. Vincent Grammar School, has made history for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is the very first time that this country has been declared the winner.

His essay was judged the best out of 28 essays from students throughout the Caribbean region. Each student was asked to write on the topic: “Imagine you are the Minister of Tourism for your island. What would you do, and what projects could you create, to help bring locals and tourists closer together?”

John Rickards received a cheque for US$2,000 as his grand prize award, and he will have his essay published in the January “Gold lists” issue of the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. Rickards also had the privilege of reading his essay on Tuesday at the Finals of the Conde Nast Traveler Contest, held at the Puerto Rico Convention Centre. He was chaperoned by his father John Rickards and Tourism Education Officer Marina Lampkin.

Minister of Tourism Glen Beache and his Director of Tourism Vida Bernard were also present to share in Rickards’ joy.