PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten —The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) is inviting students of St. Maarten to participate in the 2019 FCCA Foundation – Children’s Essay Contest.
The FCCA sent its official invitation to Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic & Telecommunication (TEATT) the Honourable Stuart Johnson, in which it is requesting the participation of students on St. Maarten in its 2019 competition.
According to Johnson, “The essay contest provides a unique opportunity for our children to showcase their creative talents. I want to encourage every student to participate in this competition as it gives great exposure to you, your school and your country.”
He also said that the s FCCA has through social, and educational projects like these, maintained a strong bond with the Caribbean islands. This shows the Cruise Association’s commitment to the economic and social development of the many tourist destinations in our region.
The topic which children are being asked to write about in 2019 is “Many cruise passengers use cruising as a way to sample different destinations. What impression does my country leave on these passengers, and how does it or should it attract them back as stay-over guests?”
The essay contest is split into two categories. It has a junior division for children ages 12 and under and a senior division for children ages 13 – 16 years. The first, second and third place winners and their respective schools from each category will be awarded prizes.
Junior Division (Ages 12 years & under) Student School
1st Place US $3,000 US $3,000
2nd Place US $1,500 US $1,500
3rd Place US $1,000 US $1,000
Senior Division (Ages 13 years to 16 years)
1st Place US $3,000 US $3,000
2nd Place US $1,500 US $1,500
3rd Place US $1,000 US $1,000
With regards to the topic chosen by the FCCA for the 2019 essay contest, Johnson said that the children on St. Maarten have a wealth of information to provide about St. Maarten. “Our island has dominated the Cruise Tourism Industry in the Caribbean for many years and our unique destination being both French and Dutch with beautiful scenery, hundreds of restaurants and excellent shopping opportunities and leisure activities, are just a few of the reasons visitors return to our destination each year,” said Johnson.
Each year the FCCA hosts the essay contest which allows children from various Caribbean countries to showcase their knowledge of the Caribbean’s tourism industry.
