Browne wins essay competition

Shaquille Browne intends to put his new HP netbook to good use. Browne, a fifteen-year-old fourth form student of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School, received the ultra mobile computer as his prize for winning the Vincy Homecoming Secondary Schools’ Essay competition 2009.{{more}}

Jacinta Jackson of the Barrouallie Secondary School came in second, winning a digital camera, while Dumona Charles of the Girls’ High School won an iPod shuffle for her third place finish. The prizes were supplied by Computec. Browne was the only winner present at a prize giving ceremony last Thursday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conference room.

Browne, who spoke to reporters at the ceremony, said that it was his first essay competition and he felt great about his win. He wrote about the life and history of Ebenezer Theodore Joshua, while Jackson and Charles both wrote about Milton Cato. Browne says he intends to do lots of school work, talk to more of his friends online, and download music using the netbook worth about $1,700. He thanked God, the Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC) and the Regional Diaspora and Integration Unit (RIDU) for making his win possible.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Director of the RIDU Ellsworth John commended the students on a job well done. “We are very pleased with the quality of the presentations,” he said. The students were required to write on the leading personalities of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. According to John, twenty-two students took part in the essay competition from the following schools: Thomas Saunders Secondary, The Barrouallie Secondary, The Girls’ High School, The Bequia Community High School, the Adelphi Secondary School and the Union Island Secondary School.

Sponsor of the competition ECGC was represented by Marketing Manager of the company Martin Laborde who also congratulated the winners. Laborde commended all the parties involved in the essay competition and expressed hopes that the teachers, schools and parents of the students would continue to assist them in their overall development.

Also giving remarks, Cheryl Thomas of the Ministry of Education encouraged the students to take pride in their country and their heritage. She also thanked the ECGC and the RIDU on behalf of the Ministry of Education, adding that the competition allowed the students to practice their organization and research skills.(OS)