Bequia Anglican wins Tourism Choral Speech Competition

The Bequia Anglican Primary School has won the first ever Ministry of Tourism Schools’ Choral Speech competition.

The group of children related the beauty of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and encouraged tourists to visit the island through an eloquent and entertaining choral speech.{{more}}

The finals of the competition which took place on May 20, 2010, at the Peace Memorial Hall, saw the participation of thirteen schools. The second place position went to the Calliqua Anglican School, while the C.W. Prescod Primary school settled for third place.

The Bequia Anglican School walked away with a desktop computer, a trophy and $25 for each student in the group. The Calliaqua Anglican and CW Prescod Primary Schools each walked away with a desktop computer and a trophy.

The Bequia Anglican School also won in the Best Presentation and Best Costume category, while the Calliaqua Anglican won the Best Written Choral Speech.

The afternoon’s events never failed to entertain as the students creatively portrayed the theme “Our Children Talk Tourism: The path to sustainable development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Issues such as the economic benefits of tourism, encouraging tourists to visit the natural historical sites of the island, and reminding Vincentians to respect tourist were highlighted. Several schools also appealed to the ministry to put aside ‘isms’ and ‘schisms’ and focus on the people.

Minister of Tourism Glen Beache, making brief remarks, stated that his ministry has placed great value on tourism education. He added that though it is something that has been improved, it should receive more attention.

Director of Tourism Vida Bernard, also making remarks, stated that the business of tourism is not only for those working within the industry, but that every citizen must be involved.

Beache also commended the schools on their performance, rating them as “top quality” performances, adding that they were well thought out and executed.

The afternoon also featured performances by the West St. George Secondary School, the Sandy Bay Primary and the Avenue Dancers. A special choral speech presentation was also done by the School for Children with Special Needs which received a prize for their participation.(OS)