In light of the 2009 Hurricane Season and World Environment Day, the St. James Central District Emergency Organisation (DEO) will be staging a Climate Change Essay Competition.

Minister of the Environment, Dr. Denis Lowe, will officially launch the contest tomorrow, Friday June 5, at the Grand Salle, Central Bank of Barbados, at 2:00 p.m.

The competition, which has as its theme, "What Are the Implications of Climate Change for Barbados?" will target fourth and fifth form students of all secondary schools, students of the Barbados Community College, the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic and the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

Essays should comprise an understanding of the challenges posed by climate change to small island developing states, such as Barbados; an assessment and recommendations regarding Barbados’ current policies on climate change; and the provision of innovative solutions that may address the country’s approaches and concerns.

Essays must be double spaced and typed in Times New Roman, size 12 font, with a word limit of 2500 words. Submissions may also include supporting charts, photographs and diagrams.

An accompanying cover sheet must be included, stating the name, address, age, identification number, school or educational institution, telephone number and email address of the respective participant.

Judging for the competition will be done according to three categories, ranging from ages 13-16, 17-20 and 21-25. The top three winners in each group will get an opportunity to present their work on programmes televised by the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation.?? There will also be other prizes sponsored by UNICEF, The Board of Tourism and the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies of the University of the West Indies.

All presentations should be submitted to the Climate Change Essay Competition, Department of Emergency Management, #30 Warrens Industrial Park, Warrens, St. Michael.

The deadline for submissions is Thursday, October 16, at 4:00 p.m.

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