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Jaylen Brewster Howard Wins 2024 National Letter Writing Competition

Thirteen-year-old Jaylen Brewster Howard, a student of The St. Michael School, is the overall winner of this year’s National Letter Writing Competition for Young People.

The competition was hosted by the Barbados Postal Service, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training.

Now in its 20th year nationally, the competition falls under the aegis of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) – the international agency responsible for governing and coordinating the exchange of mail worldwide.

The UPU has endorsed this competition with the aim of “fostering a greater appreciation for the art of letter writing among young people, promoting the development of essential composition skills and encouraging creative expression and research capabilities”.

The International Bureau, the secretariat of the UPU, selects a theme for the competition and publicises it globally. Participating countries hold their national competitions, often in collaboration with educational authorities and the media.

Postmaster General of the Barbados Postal Service, Joann Busby, presents Jaylen Brewster Howard with the winning trophy and prizes. The 13-year-old is the overall winner of the 2024 National Letter Writing Competition for Young People

The theme for the 2024 competition, as set by the UPU, is: “At 150 years old, the UPU has served people around the world for more than eight generations. The world has changed enormously since then. Write a letter to future generations about the world you hope they inherit.”

Jaylen, who amassed a total of 178 points, edged out second-place winner Layla Browne of Queen’s College by one point, while Ahron Austin, of the Reynold Weekes Primary School, placed third with 141 points.

The second-year student expressed shock and excitement when he discovered he was awarded first place.

“It was great to be inspired to do something for my island, to represent my island. Honestly, I don’t really know how I really feel right now. Just feel great to win and get all these gifts.”

When interviewed about the inspiration behind his winning entry, young Jaylen disclosed that his English teacher (Mrs. Collette Applewhaite) introduced the competition to him and encouraged him to enter.

The 2024 winner revealed that he wanted to make his teacher proud, so he worked extremely hard to submit his letter in a short amount of time, submitting it within a week. He further confirmed that he will be entering next year’s competition.

Jaylen’s mother, Jillian Brewster, when asked how she felt about her son’s achievement, shared that she felt overwhelmed but very proud.

“I honestly didn’t even know that he entered the competition. I just … got the call and I’m just overwhelmed and I’m very proud of him because I know he enjoys writing. He actually wants to be a writer. So, this is…a good path for him; it’s a good result of his hard work and I hope he keeps it up,” she said.

The competition, which is open to young writers aged 9 to 15, saw hundreds of entries from across the island. It was judged by a panel of educators under the supervision of the Education Officer for English, Gloria Haynes.

The winning entry has been submitted to the UPU’s International Letter Writing Competition for Young People. (PR/GIS)

Local

EBC Officers Conducting Verification Of Addresses Exercise

The public is advised that Registering Officers from the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) are in the field conducting a verification exercise to confirm the address of each registrant. This activity is in accordance with the Representation of the People Act Cap 12, Section 12.

EBC Registering Officers will be wearing the department’s branded T-shirts with the official ID prominently displayed as they visit residents in districts across the island.

Householders are encouraged to cooperate with the Registering Officers and secure their pets or animals during the visit. (PR/GIS)

Local

Police Service Tips For A Safe Bank Holiday Weekend

As persons prepare to attend various events over this extended weekend, Crime Prevention Officer with The Barbados Police Service, Inspector Roger Babb, is encouraging them to “stay in control” as they enjoy themselves.

Inspector Babb reminds members of the public that drinking alcohol impairs their ability to make good decisions, and drinking and driving may result in accidents that can be fatal.

The Crime Prevention Officer shared these useful tips:

Do not feel pressured to drink alcohol; it is okay to say no.
Do not drink and drive, always have a sober designated driver.
If you drink, do so in moderation and never leave your drink unattended.
Do not let anyone bring a drink for you.
To avoid having your drinks spiked, buy your own drinks, and watch the bartender make or open them.
If you think your drink was tampered with, let someone know and seek medical attention.
Be cautious with strangers and do not accept drinks from them.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Never mix alcohol with other drugs.
PR/GIS

Local

SANDALS BARBADOS RECEIVES (CARPHA) AWARD

Sandals Barbados is the proud recipient of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Healthier Safer Tourism (HST) award.

The presentation was made recently at the Ministry of Health and Wellness office located in the Frank Walcott Building, St. Michael, Barbados.

Accepting the award for the Luxury Included Resort was General Manager Bruno Couesnon.

In his brief remarks Couesnon thanked every one of the team members who contributed to the resort’s recent accolade.

“It’s always nice to win awards; but it takes a team effort to achieve the results for which we are being recognized, today. The health and safety of our guests and team members are important to us and it is great to be selected and celebrated by CARPHA for doing our part and succeeding,” said Couesnon.

Executive Director of CARPHA Dr. Lisa Indar commended the hotel for achieving this internationally recognized award and praised its commitment to health and safety procedures.

“The 2019 Covid pandemic led to global shut down of tourism but it also demonstrated the resilience of the Caribbean by being able to bounce back. Part of that bouncing back was to be able to create a healthier and safer tourism experience and the reason you are here today is by being part of the tourism health programme and implementing proactive measures,” said Dr. Indar.

Some of the benefits of this award include being regionally and internationally recognized for healthier safer tourism endorsed by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO); the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The award is the only traveler’s health award where compliance is assessed – it is measurable and verifiable, ensuring the safety of the tourist facility, staff and guests. It also gives a comparative, marketing advantage and gives value to the quality of service.(PR)

CAPTION: Sandals Barbados General Manager General Manager Bruno Couesnon (L) accepting the CARPHA award from Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kenneth George