Organisation
of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Essay Competition The OECS Essay Competition is geared towards stimulating
discourse on issues that impact the socio-economic landscape
of the region. Launched in November each year, the competition
is open to students of the ECCB member territories between
the ages of fourteen to nineteen years. The deadline for
essay submissions is May of the following year.
2013
OECS Essay Competition For ECCB Area Students
14 - 19
years
Topics In today's economic climate, many school leavers are faced with high unemployment rates within the OECS countries. What can the youth do to turn this situation into opportunities for entrepreneurship?
Agriculture is a viable booster for OECS economies. Discuss.
What strategies can OECS countries employ to ensure that young people become better acquainted with the benefits of the OECS Economic Union?
The school with the most entries in the top 10
receives EC$500
Terms
of the Competition
The competition is open to students of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) aged 14 - 19.
Essays
must be between 750 and 1,000
words, and must be typed, double
spaced on letter size paper, with a separate
cover sheet giving details of the name, age, and
school attended by the participant. Click here for cover sheet
Essays must be written on one of
the topics listed above
Essays will be judged in two categories: participants aged 14 - 16 and 17 - 19. The essays will be assessed for content and
soundness of points (20), logical development (20),
clarity (20), knowledge of the subject (25), command
of language (10), presentation (5).
Where the student has left school,
the grant will be awarded to the high school of
his/her choice.
Children or dependents of ECCB staff
are not eligible to enter the competition.
Prize winners may be asked to submit
their birth certificates.
What viable steps should the OECS countries take to stimulate their economies and significantly reduce their national debts?
Discuss the role of young people in shaping the future of the OECS
Winners: Age 14 - 16 Category
1st Place - Tiffannie Skerritt Montserrat Secondary School, Montserrat
OECS countries can stimulate economies through advancement of agricultural industries. This development must come in the form of expansion of the industry to provide for the people in our region, training of farmers to improve farming methods, the use of technology to improve efficiency of production..." Read full text of essay
2nd Place - Andy Scott
Grenada Seventh Day Adventist Comprehensive School, Grenada
The governments of the OECS member states should continue to attach great importance to the role of education in promoting national and regional development. Hanushek and Woesmann (2007) state that "cognitive skills of the population rather than mere school attainment, are powerfully related to individual earnings, to the distribution of income and to economic growth." Read full text of essay
3rd Place - Candace Greene
Washington Archibald High School, St Kitts and Nevis
In a diversified economy, the role of young people would be to use their innovative genius and apply their skills and talents, not only for profit, but also for the economic betterment of their respective countries." Read full text of essay
Winners: Age 17 - 19 Category
1st Place - Al Flemming
Charlestown Secondary and Nevis Sixth Form College, St Kitts and Nevis
"The single most important tool for optimal youth participation in the development process is quality education. Our youth must be willing to educate themselves, as modern society is one where knowledge is power." Read full text of essay
2nd Place - Tashaun Williams
Washington Archibald High School, St Kitts and Nevis
In solving issues that affect any grouping or region, a successful united response is critical.... Therefore, the strength of the OECS to stimulate its economies and significantly reduce its national debts should ne measured by how much the member-states can accomplish together." Read full text of essay
3rd Place - Theon Tross
Charlestown Secondary and Nevis Sixth Form College, St Kitts and Nevis
"One of the critical ways for young people to help shape the future of the region is via youth-led advocacy. Young people must form grassroots movements for integration and development. They must be the ones to advocate for the changes they wish to be implemented." Read full text of essay
