Belizean Essays Entered In 2009 FCCA Foundation Children's Essay Contest

Belize has the opportunity to participate in the 2009 Children's Essay sponsored by the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and this year, students throughout the country were encouraged to submit one 300-500 word English essay, on the topic: "During this global economic downturn, what can a destination, which lives on tourism do to persuade more ships to come to their destination?"

The essay contest was conducted in two age categories: a junior division for children ages 12 and under and a senior division for children ages 13 to 16 years.  Representing the Junior Division is Ms. Catryce Cattouse and representing the Senior Division is Ms. Kafira Gill, both from All Saints School in Belize City.  The essays were judged based on writers' creativity to portray how a destination's tourism sector persuades more visitors to their country during the global economic downturn and what are the steps that they take to ensure visitors to their destination.

Completed essays from Belizean children are then submitted to the FCCA where the FCCA's Selection Committee will determine a first, second, and third place winner for the two age categories from among the submitted essays from all participating countries.

In addition to the cash scholarships awarded to the two first place winners from each age category, the winners will be invited to read their essays and accept their prizes at the FCCA Caribbean Cruise Conference in the St. Lucia.  All travel expenses for each winner and one chaperone will be paid for by the FCCA.

The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association is an Association that represents thirteen member lines who operate approximately 100 vessels in Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico.