Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!
JAMAICA 60!
Short Story/Editorial Competition
Celebrating Jamaican Independence
The full-filled Jamaica60 essay competition has ended.
And we have the final results! By the way, we happily gifted...
... PRIZES VALUING WELL OVER $2,900 USD!
Congratulations again to all the winners... very, very deserving!
FIRST PLACE WINNER!
"The dreadful hurricane Gilbert of September 1988" by Latoya Edwards, Portmore, Jamaica.
The entry... https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/the-dreadful-hurricane-gilbert-of-september-1988.html
PRIZE RECEIVED...
Complimentary 2 Night All Inclusive Stay For Two at beautiful Ocean Cliff Hotel (formerly The Spa Retreat In Negril). When you get there you'll fully understand why it consistently ranks in the top 3 of best hotels in Negril.
SECOND PLACE WINNER!
"Sweet sweet Jamaica, naah left yah" by Carolyn Williams, Clarendon, Jamaica.
The entry... https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/sweet-sweet-jamaica-naah-left-yah.html
PRIZE RECEIVED...
All Inclusive Weekend For Two at the tranquil Tapioca Village Retreat, the hidden gem for peace and tranquility in the hills of St. Mary, Jamaica!
PLUS a BONUS Tapioca Getaway - A fun day package for two (2), to include admission, lunch, rafting, pedal boating and relaxation - down by the river!
THIRD PLACE WINNER!
"The Mystique of Jamaica" by Linda Martinez, Temple, Texas, USA.
The entry... https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/the-mystique-of-jamaica.html
PRIZE RECEIVED...
Complimentary Stay (2 Days/ 3 Nights) at Luna Sea Inn, to include a breathtaking ocean view room, with full access to paddle boards, kayaks and snorkeling equipment!
FOURTH PLACE WINNER!
"A September To Remember" by Gayle, St. Catherine, Jamaica.
The entry... https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/a-september-to-remember.html
PRIZE RECEIVED...
Dinner For Two at the 'sweet spot', Sky Beach Seafood Grill, beside the beach, under a private palapa in Hopewell, Hanover!
PLUS Multiple Consolation Prizes (below)!
CROWD FAVOURITE!
"My First Impressions Of Jamaica" by Angela Tait, the Hague, The Netherlands.
The entry... https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/my-first-impressions-of-jamaica.html
PRIZE RECEIVED...
GIFT BASKET (80usd value) courtesy of Dew Drops Farms (video here) to include authentic Jamaican honey and honey/apiary based products, including lotions, hair oil and face soaps!
EDITOR'S PICK!
"Train Ride In The 70's" by Cheryl Gentles, St. Andrew, Jamaica.
The entry... https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/train-ride-in-the-70s.html
PRIZE RECEIVED...
Authentic Jamaican 12x13 Machel tote bag courtesy of Sauti Sac JA
(see video clip here)!
Whew! Can I tell you?
- It was very hard to narrow the entries to just 10 based on the judges' cards, even though I personally had some favourite there &
- Reduce it to even further to only the top 4, but we had to.
But if you missed the total entries, you can find them here (below)
Our Esteemed Judges
Thanks again team for your willingness to assist in this exciting initiative.
- Ms. Maura Watson from Ivy's Cove (Profile Video)
- Ms. Cheri Black from Topaz Dream Palace (Profile Video) &
- Ms. Elizabeth Flowers from Taste Of Jamaica Herb Tours (video)
They selected the top TEN best: based on originality, presentation (writing) and of course passion.
Winner Selection
Very simple:
- After our judges selected the top TOP 10.
- We posted them on social media for voting
- Each entrant was encouraged to get their friends & family to vote for them by simply rating and commenting on their entry.
- The entries with the most votes, by way of "Likes" won the main prizes (Top 4)
- That's it!
Another special thanks again to our sponsors AND our judges who helped in a great way to make this happen.
And to you, for your entry, comments, and/or readership.
AND THERE WAS MORE!!🎉
On August 6th, Independence Day, we had a massive culmination where we trumpeted the awards, awardees, sponsors, judges etc.
But we had even more giveaways then!
Persons were encouraged to engage with our theme song... see below.
This song Was My-Island-Jamaica's official contribution to Jamaica60!
And Jannel (Blessed Green Chick) from North Carolina won a GIFT BASKET(80usd value) Courtesy of Rastafari Never Grow Old to include organic Jamaican products including Jamaican roots tonic, Jamaican turmeric & ginger, breadfruit flour, coconut charcoal & cassava flour! (profile video here)
OUR JAMAICA60 THEME SONG!💖
We also had a super special surprise award for engagement on the livestream and that went to Sharon Cookhorn from Long Island in New York, USA.
She was randomly selected for an authentic Rastafarian/ Jamaican leather clutch, embellished with calabash or gourd and matching earrings, courtesy of Iela’s Sandals and accessories Ja (profile clip here).
The entire competition was lit!
So again I say thanks to everyone who participated, judged, sponsored and engaged with us during the competition🙏
And just before you go, here again in the full list of entries, do take a peek and them and feel free to comment too :-)
By the way, make sure you subscribe to my free newsletter and keep up with the very latest happenings which includes other exciting contests!
And, if you are interested in sponsoring another contest on My-Island-Jamaica.com, please contact me. I'll be grateful for the partnership.
Here's The Complete List Of Entries Submitted!
Click below to see other entries from others like you in our friendly Jamaican online community.
My Jamaican Experience 
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #16 - My Jamaican Experience
Growing up as a Jamaican in the early 90’s was a much simpler time. …
Building Better Youths For Jamaica
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #11 - Building Better Youths For Jamaica
The rich annals of Jamaica’s history show many local …
The Mystique of Jamaica
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #12 - The Mystique of Jamaica
Jamaica holds a special place in my heart for many reasons, but …
A September To Remember
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #08 - A September To Remember
Nearly thirty-four years ago but it seems like yesterday!
I …
My first Impressions of Jamaica
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #06 - My first Impressions of Jamaica
In 1967, a young teenager by the name of Gela is about …
AFTER THE FLOOD RAINS, AN OLIVE BRANCH!
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #17 - AFTER THE FLOOD RAINS, AN OLIVE BRANCH!
The book of Genesis tells the story of Noah sending …
Train ride in the 70's
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #05 - Train ride in the 70's
It was in the mid 1970’s and a little girl of six or seven years …
Growing up in the country
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #04 - Growing up in the country
I remember back in the nineties growing up as a child living …
The dreadful hurricane Gilbert of September 1988
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #13 - The dreadful hurricane Gilbert of September 1988
Whoooo Whoooo, the sound of the wind. …
My fond memories of Independence in 1962
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #18 - My fond memories of Independence in 1962
During the period leading up to independence, …
JAMAICA U Be JAMMING (Celebration) Not rated yet
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #15 - JAMAICA U Be JAMMING (Celebration)
I like celebrating "Jamaica Day." On this great day, …
Sweet sweet Jamaica, naah left yah Not rated yet
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #14 - Sweet sweet Jamaica, naah left yah
On August 6th 1962 Jamaica gained independence from …
SCOOTING AROUND THE ISLAND Not rated yet
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #10 - SCOOTING AROUND THE ISLAND
My husband and I have been traveling to Jamaica for 10 years! …
Congratulations 👏 💖 💜 JAMAICA 🇯🇲 Not rated yet
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #09 - Congratulations Jamaica!
Always love the home of my birth and proud to celebrate 🍾 ❤️ …
Remember When August 6, 1962 Not rated yet
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #07 - Remember When August 6, 1962
I was eleven and half years old (11 1/2). I was afraid of …
THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE SIXTY YEARS Not rated yet
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #03 - THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE SIXTY YEARS
I love Jamaica for so many reasons. A people who …
I AM COMING "HOME" Not rated yet
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #02 - I AM COMING "HOME"
My first visit to Jamaica was in 2004. I didn't return until this year …
60 Years Old and Still Growing Not rated yet
Jamaica Independence Article/ Story Contest - Entry #01 - 60 Years Old and Still Growing
After more than 300 years of British colonial rule Jamaica …
Back To Top of Jamaican Independence Essay Contest
Return to My Island Jamaica Forums from Jamaican Independence
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Jamaican Independence
New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿
 |
You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now! |
See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!
 |
My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers. |
Read More ...
New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!
P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for?
Still need help?
Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!
Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.
Featured Video!
Travelling To Jamaica?
Read this BEFORE you go
👇🏿
New Here?
I recommend you START HERE to enjoy the best of this website!
New! For Authentic Jamaican products, from my very own hands, visit my Etsy store here.
Recent Articles
-
How is Christmas in Jamaica Unique? | 8 Reasons to Love Christmas
Dec 21, 24 09:19 PM
There are few things better than a Jamaican Christmas, in my humble (probably biased) opinion. How is Christmas in Jamaica unique? Let’s find out! -
Christmas In Jamaica | 12 Must-Haves At A Jamaican Christmas Dinner
Dec 21, 24 08:52 PM
by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer See Also: How Do Jamaicans Celebrate Christmas? | 10 Special Events In The Holiday Season Photo: Family Dinner -
10 Fun Facts About Old Time Christmas In Jamaica
Dec 21, 24 08:49 PM
by Deon Clarke | Associate Writer See Also: Christmas In Jamaica | 12 Must-Haves At A Jamaican Christmas Dinner Photo: Decorated Christmas tree in the -
What Are The Benefits Of Eating Mulberry?
Dec 20, 24 09:14 PM
Wondering, what are the benefits of eating mulberry? This small fruit is packed with powerful health perks, from boosting digestion to improving immunity. -
Activities In Kingston For Kids|Fun Activities For Kids In the Capital
Dec 16, 24 07:04 AM
Looking for fun activities in Kingston for kids? Explore exciting attractions, outdoor adventures, and creative experiences for children of all ages!
About The Author
A patriotic Jamaican who adores its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.
To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day (and over 1.1millon page views monthly)
His efforts have earned this site featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities. Read more about him here.
He invites you to explore his books and subscribe to this site to stay updated on all the latest here on site.
You are also welcome to check out his unique Jamaican products on his e-store.
If you are on social media, here are the links to follow his latest posts:
You are also invited to join his exclusive JAMHearts community where like-minded Jamaican enthusiasts discuss all things Jamaican.
Didn't Find What You Are Seeking?
Do a quick site search here:
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.