Creativity and environmental awareness were celebrated on Tuesday, December 30, as the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy (MOALFBE) hosted the awards ceremony for its inaugural 2025 World Food Day Poster Competition. The event, held at the Fisheries Division Conference Room, highlighted the artistic talents of students while promoting national priorities in food security and sustainable development.

Communications Officer Tyreke Thomas-Horsford served as Master of Ceremonies.

Delivering opening remarks, Principal Assistant Secretary Denise Matthias-Thomas welcomed attendees and emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to youth involvement in shaping a resilient future.

“Education must begin early, and our young people are key partners in building a food-secure nation,” she said, noting the need to strengthen the link between agriculture, fisheries, the environment, and the education system.

Head of the Communication Unit, Mrs. Carol-Faye Bynoe-George, provided an overview of the competition, which was designed to increase student engagement in themes surrounding sustainable agriculture, healthy eating, and the blue economy. The competition aligned with the 2025 World Food Day theme: “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.”

Despite participation from just three schools — two secondary and one primary — Bynoe-George praised students for their strong interpretation of the theme.

“The creativity displayed was impressive, and we expect the number of entries to grow in the coming years,” she noted.

Entries were evaluated based on creativity, message clarity, thematic relevance, visual impact, accuracy, and presentation. Certificates of participation were presented by Director of Agriculture Gregory Bailey. Placement certificates and prizes were awarded by Mrs. Matthias-Thomas.

RESULTS
Primary School Category
•⁠ ⁠1st Place: Shaniyah Francis – T.N. Kirnon Primary School
Secondary School Category
•⁠ ⁠1st Place: Gabriella Eusebe – All Saints Secondary School
•⁠ ⁠2nd Place: Keairra Smith – All Saints Secondary School
•⁠ ⁠3rd Place: J’Shorna Appleton – Sir Novelle Richards Academy

Winning students also received gift certificates and commemorative prize packages.

Participating schools — All Saints Secondary, Sir Novelle Richards Academy, and T.N. Kirnon Primary — were acknowledged for their support. Certificates were accepted on their behalf by Ministry of Education Agricultural Science Officer Nicolette Francis.

Communications Officer Emerald David delivered the vote of thanks, recognizing educators, sponsors, judges, parents, and ministry officials for nurturing the next generation of agricultural stewards.

“Our students are at the heart of this initiative,” she said. “Their artwork reflects a strong appreciation for sustainability and the future we want to build.”

The ceremony concluded with a photo session featuring students alongside their artwork.