Twelve-year old Anguillian student, Coleen Johnson of the Orealia Kelly Primary School emerged victorious at the Caribbean District Optimist International Oratorical Contest The contest which took place in Jamaica on Saturday April 25th, was held in Kingston, Jamaica, and saw participants from Suriname, Curacao, Barbados, Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda and Anguilla.

Jahvez Hamilton and Collen Johnson

Miss Johnson, who was the youngest of nine female competitors, emerged in first place, followed by Barbados in second place and the host country Jamaica in third place.

Miss Johnson received a Trophy, a Plaque, a Laptop Computer and a Cash College Scholarship. which will be held until she is ready for college. She will be recognised at the Optimist International Convention in Orlando Florida in July.

Anguilla’s male participant twelve-year old Jahvez Hamilton of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School- Campus B was commended for his efforts as the youngest of seven male participants. He received a Plaque and a Trophy. The male competition was won by Antigua. Barbados and Jamaica took second and third place respectively.
The Optimist International Oratorical Competition is an international competition designed to expose young people to the art of public speaking and help young people build their self confidence. As the young people prepare for the future, many of them need to experience expressing their thoughts and opinions to an audience. The Oratorical contest challenges them to do just that

Miss Johnson and Mr. Hamilton were coached for the District Competition by the Anguilla Optimist Club Oratorical Committee chairperson, Arlene Ross-Daisley, and attorney Tameka Davis, both of the Webster Dyrud Mitchell Chambers. Thanks is expressed to the parents Colin and Gweneth Johnson and Neville and Tracelyn Hamilton who for the invaluable assistance they gave to their children.The two students were chaperoned by Optimist Sandra Fahie who has worked diligently with the Optimist Oratorical Competition for many years.
- Press Release

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