Exploring innovation as a tool for gaining a competitive edge, and the promotion of competition policy in the business environment were the topics secondary school students aged 16 to 19 were asked to discuss as part of this year’s Fair Trading Commission’s Secondary School Essay Competition.
Now in its fourth year, the Fair Trading Commission’s Secondary School Essay Competition aims to promote a greater understanding of the benefits of fair competition among secondary school students, and encourages 16- to 19-year-olds to write original and thought-provoking essays on topics surrounding fair competition and innovation in Trinidad and Tobago’s business environment.
Executive Director of the Trinidad and Tobago Fair Trading Commission, Bevan Narinesingh, said the quality of this year’s submissions is an indicator that young people are ready to tackle the real issues that shape the future of the country.
Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Ava Mahabir Dass, in congratulating the winners, said she is proud to support this initiative, particularly the investment in youth. She challenged young people to champion futures where innovation, opportunity, and fairness go hand in hand.
The top three students’ essays were chosen from among approximately 20 submissions from students across the country.
Justin Ishwar, a sixth-form student at Presentation College, San Fernando, won this year’s competition, while Gabriella Bartholomew of Cowen Hamilton Secondary School placed second, and Sameera Ramsingh of ASJA Girls’ College, San Fernando, secured third place.
The first-place winner took home $3,000 and a challenge trophy for his school. Second place received $2,000, and third place $1,000.
Grand Prize winner, 18-year-old Justin, said he didn’t think he was going to win, especially in the midst of preparing for CAPE exams.
Second-place winner, 16-year-old Gabriella, said tackling the topic was challenging, but she took it on head-on. She encouraged all young people to be fearless and bold in making their voices heard.
And 17-year-old Sameera said she wanted to prove to herself that she could handle any challenge that came her way through this competition. She said her love for reading, research, and essay writing motivated her to seize the opportunity.