Safiya Moore of Sou Sou Lands who is a first year law student at the UWI Cave Hill Campus in Barbados won the competition from over 50 essays submitted for judging.
The competition was open to all lower and upper sixth form (CAPE or equivalent) students in the 17 English-speaking countries of the Caribbean stretching from Jamaica to Guyana. It was the first time students from Tobago and Guyana entered the competition held in January 2013.
Safiya won the first prize followed by Jamaica and Guyana. Josh Ragbir, a former student of Naparima College, San Fernando came fourth. Chief Secretary Orville London presented the prizes to Safiya and Ragbir.
Safiya’s achievement earned her a trip to Trinidad and Guyana, hotel accommodation and per-diem allowance; a tour of the Eric Williams Memorial Collection at the University of the West Indies St Augustine campus; a US$1,000 educational voucher; courtesy calls on the President of T&T and the Speaker of the House of Representatives; a tour of Parliament; a set of Williams’ books; and a framed certificate. Bishop’s will also receive a set of Williams’ books.
The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) partnered with the Eric Williams Memorial Collection Research Library, Archives and Museum at UWI, St Augustine and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in hosting the presentation function at the Works Lecture Room, Shaw Park on Tuesday.
In a brief address Senior Lecturer and former head of the Department of History, UWI said the competition had demonstrated the urgent need for persons to demonstrate their abilities since there were more opportunities for young people to do so. She said 30 individuals and corporations including the THA provided sponsorship for the competition.
In response to the many congratulatory comments Safiya said winning the prestigious award was worth more than the prizes and publicity received.