TWO Jamaican-born students, now residing in South Florida, were named this year's winners of the annual Jamaica Independence Essay Competition in Florida.

They are 12 year-old Brittany Murray of Miramar and 18 year-old Meleisha Mignott of Margate. Both winners were selected from some 20 entries received this year in the age categories 9-12 and 13 -18. There was no entry in the 5-8 age category.

Both students chose from a selection of seven topics relating to the history and culture of Jamaica. Brittany wrote an exciting story on her two favourite places in Jamaica, while Meleisha wrote about her most admirable Jamaican heroine, Nanny of the Maroons.

The essay topics, while relating to the culture and history of Jamaica, also challenged the students to address issues affecting the Jamaican overseas communities. Some of these include community leadership, entertainment, education, history and culture, geography and national development.

Brittany Shirl Anne Murray moved to South Florida from Jamaica with her family nearly seven years ago. An eighth grader at the Hollywood Christian School, she indicated that her favourite subject was mathematics.

She learnt of the competition through the Teen Bible study group at Christway Baptist Church in Miramar, home to a large Jamaican congregation, and was encouraged by her family and friends to participate.

Like all Jamaicans, she still maintains contact with home because of her many family members and friends who still reside in Kingston as well as in the rural areas, and visited the country as recently as last year.

While she enjoys using the computer, spending time with her friends and shopping, she also shares quality time with her parents, Jamaican nationals, Beverly and Courtney Murray.

Meleisha Mignott will enter Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton as a freshman later this month when educational institutions resume for the fall semester. Meleisha is a recent graduate from Blanche-Ely Magnet School in Fort Lauderdale, where she did pre-medical studies in forensic science.

he also learnt about the Independence Essay competition through her church, the New Life Fellowship in Fort Lauderdale, which has a large congregation of Jamaican nationals. Meleisha is actively involved in projects at the church where she is president of the Girls' Ministry and is a member of three choirs there.

Although Meleisha went to South Florida at a very young age, she has always maintained a keen interest in her Jamaican heritage and was intrigued by the stories of national heroine, Nanny. This fascination, coupled with her love for writing and being an avid reader, led her to enter the essay contest. With a talent for writing, Miss Mignott has already authored several short stories and poetry.

The winners will be presented with congratulatory plaques from Jamaica's Consul General to Miami, Ricardo Allicock.
The essay competition, now in its fifth year, is organised by the Miami office of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), and is open to first and second generation Jamaican children residing in the State of Florida.

The competition forms part of activities to mark the annual Independence celebrations in Florida and is intended to advance community awareness while exposing the young Jamaicans to their roots.

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