The DBS Radio, Ministry of Education National Reading Competition could evolve into a festival next year, according to Programme Manager Ivona Jno Baptiste Lugay. She revealed this during the prize-giving ceremony held at the Goodwill Parish Hall on Tuesday.
The plan really is to have a festival moving forward to showcase reading talents and award pupils for their skills and participation.
Ivona Jno Baptiste Lugay, Programme Manager of DBS Radio
However, she clarified that the decision to start this next year had not yet been finalized.
This year’s competition, themed “Reading and Culture”, was a tribute to the late cultural icon Dr. Alwin Bully and the Creole Icon Felix Henderson. Out of 48 talented participants, the competition crowned Kaydie Theodore from St Martin Primary School as the winner. Kinaya Riviere of the St John’s Primary School and Jakida Telemacque of the Wesley Primary School followed in first and second place, respectively, while Kieran Lander from Convent Preparatory School placed third.
Lugay praised the competition for its impact, stating it has cultivated not just a reading habit, but nurtured a love for reading among pupils, parents, schools, and communities. “DBS Radio keeps presenting an avenue to showcase reading competence,” she said, emphasizing the competition’s success since its inception. She mentioned the potential benefits of reading, including improved focus, memory, communication, and the exploration of new ideas.
David Maxime, representative from the Ministry of Education, joined Jno-Baptiste Lugay in encouraging parents to support their children’s reading endeavors. He stressed that parental involvement correlates with children’s success, encouraging students to make reading a daily habit rather than a competition task. “Continue to read because that is where the success lies,” Maxime advised.
The event also celebrated the legacy of the late Creole Icon, Felix Henderson, with his daughter Grace Henderson presenting a book of simple Creole words she had written. Anita Bully, wife of Dr. Alwin Bully, also presented books to all finalists. For the first time, an award was presented in memory of Kheanillia Barrie, the winner of the 2019 reading competition who passed away in May 2023. The award was given to Caleb George of the Coulibistrie Primary School.
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