BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THREE of the nation’s top primary school students have been announced winners in the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s (ECCB) local Primary Schools Short Story Competition after composing brilliant pieces on wise spending and regular saving.
The competition, launched as part of last October’s celebrations of Financial Information Month, was held under the theme ‘Save and Invest Today... Enjoy Tomorrow’ and received an overwhelming response from students in grades four, five and six.
Andrew Douglas of the Molineux Primary School emerged winner in the competition and was awarded EC $200 for his eloquent composition on efforts to save and spend wisely in whatever way he can. Students were expected to report on their adventures with EC $5 and outline how even a student can strive to save more and spend wisely.
Douglas wowed the judges with his composition in which he described his experience at a school fun fair. He had only EC $5.00 and his story told of how he had to be financially prudent and purchase only the goods and services that he thought would be necessary. At the end of his decision making, he was able to both enjoy the fair and save EC $3.00.
Second place went to Delondre Morris of the Edgar T. Morris Primary School, who wrote a compelling piece on budgeting EC $5.00 in order to meet his needs for one week. He was able to save much at the end and teach his friends at school the importance of saving. Morris won himself a prize of EC $150 for his composition. Shaquilla Stapleton of the same school came in with third place in the local competition.
Presentations to the winners were made last Friday (May 7) by ECCB Deputy Director of Corporate Relations Sybil Welsh, who used the opportunity to speak to the student body on the importance of spending wisely and saving regularly. They were encouraged to focus on needs such as school books and nutritious food rather than their wants so they could save for their future.
Students can look forward to a similarly exciting competition this year as Financial Information Month will enlighten many about the importance of a balanced life and wise spending, saving and investing.
