National Poster & Slogan, Essay Writing and Poetry Competition-Winners rewarded |21 June 2007

They were presented with their prizes during a distinguished prize giving ceremony held at the International Conference Centre (ICCS) last Friday and graced by the presence of Vice-President Joseph Belmont, Designated Minister Danny Faure, various ministers and high government officials, as well as Miss Seychelles 2007, Solanna Domingue.

Besides rewarding the best participants, the highlight of the evening was the presentation of a collection of some thirty poems (all based on the national day theme) by well known poet Ruben Lespoir to Vice-President Belmont.

According to a member of the organizers of the prize giving ceremony, the principal secretary in the Youth Department, Alain Volcere, members of the general public will be able to buy copies of the collection of poems at a later date.

Mr Volcere said that through their participation in the competitions, the youths have played a direct role in promoting this year’s theme.

In all 301 youths participated in the national poster & slogan, essay writing and poetry competitions which were opened to primary, secondary and post-secondary schools, as well as the general public.

The poetry contest, which was opened only to primary schools, attracted a total of 139 participants, while 78 took part in the essay writing contest and 84 attempted the poster & slogan.

Winzelle Albert from Plaisance Primary emerged as the winner of the poetry contest.
For the essay writing contest, Mukulu Simba (Plaisance Secondary) was the winner in the under 17 years of age category while Andrine Bacco dominated the under-20 category and Krishma Moolraj was the victor in the 21-35-year-old category. 

In the poster & slogan contest, Aneesh Coopoosamy from Independent School came out first in the under-17 class, Brigitte Marie conquered the under-20 category, and Jean Marc Baccus was adjudged to have the best poster in the 21-35-year-old group.

The different winners of the competitions received their prizes from Vice-President Belmont and the designated minister, among other presenters.

Speaking at the prize giving ceremony, the Minister for Community Development & Youth Vincent Meriton saluted the efforts and enthusiasm of those who had actively contributed towards the promotion of the National Theme.

Minister Meriton, who is also the chairman of the National Theme Steering Committee, additionally thanked the participants for “championing the cause for a more united, harmonious and prosperous Seychelles”.

Miss Seychelles 2007, Solanna Domingue, was also given the opportunity to address those present at the ceremony as she intends to use her status to influence youths’ behaviour.

She said that during her tenure she intends to promote the country and the interest of young people, as they relate to values and behaviour, the ideals the national theme is indeed promoting.