Nevisian Students Excel in FCCA Poster Competition

(CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS - FRIDAY, APRIL 3RD, 2009) Premier of Nevis and Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Joseph Parry sent congratulatory messages last Thursday to two Nevisian students, Kelcia Liburd of the Joycelyn Liburd Primary School and Ddlen Griffin of the Gingerland Secondary School, who both received cheques Tuesday morning from the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA).
 
While talking to the press, the Premier applauded Kelcia as the 2nd place overall winner in the Caribbean and Ddlen as the local winner in the 2009 FCCA Children’s Environmental Poster Competition.  The contest, which seeks to promote and stimulate environmental awareness among students is staged every year and usually gets commendable participation from our schools. 
 
“I congratulate Miss Liburd and Mr. Griffin and I encourage more students to continue to participate in these Tourism competitions, as it can be financially rewarding and it can help budding artists display their skills,” said Premier Parry.  He also reminded the students and teachers that the in addition to its financial benefits, the competition also serves to educate younger generations on the importance of environmental protection.
 
Mr. Parry also stressed the significant role tourism has continued to play in the socio-economic development of the island and said that the industry does not only offer employment in various areas but it also provides  numerous opportunities for our people.
 
Meantime, Tourism Officer, Miss Vanessa Webbe, handed over a cheque of US$1500 to Kelcia Liburd and another in the same amount to the school’s headmistress, Mrs. Marion Lescott, in the presence of her peers, faculty and parents, Mr. and Mrs. Liburd.  
 
“Kelsia, you deserve a huge round of applause for your fantastic poster.  It is never easy to be in such a competition representing your country among other bright and enthusiastic students; but you did Nevis proud,” Miss Webbe said.
 
“I want to encourage all the students at Joycelyn Liburd Primary to continue to participate in these regional competitions, as the opportunities that await you when you perform well are endless,” she continued.
 
At the Gingerland Secondary School, Miss Webb presented cheques of US$200 on behalf of FCCA to Ddlen Griffin and his school in a ceremony witnessed by members of the school’s faculty along with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Griffin
 
In an effort to increase public awareness of the vast opportunities that the tourism sector provides, Miss Webbe also launched a campaign on the various competitions which she said included essays, photography, art and graphics design.  She indicated that she chose the opportunity to embark on the campaign while the children are still fresh from the joy of being rewarded for their outstanding work.