Winner of the Junior category of the Regional Art Competition, Zennisha Richards, has made a special plea to Ministers of Education of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to make Art a compulsory subject and not an extra-curricular subject on the timetable.

At a brief prize giving ceremony held at the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana on Friday, March 12, 2004, Zennisha, winner of the Primary school category told the appreciative gathering that she is most honoured to be selected as the winner for her piece entitled “Clothes for the Sun Heat”. She said, “…my school, the Ciceron Combined School, was the only one from Saint Lucia to participate in this competition. At my school, we have a very successful and well-structured Art programme for all students from kindergarten upwards.”

Evrods Wilson of the Patentia Secondary School, Guyana, who emerged winner of the Senior category expressed his thanks and appreciation, stating that he was confident of success and added that the prize encouraged him to continue to paint.

Ms. Marilyn Trotz, Special Advisor to the Secretary-General and Co-ordinator of the 30th Anniversary programme gave high praise to the winners pointing to her regret for not having all who captured prizes in the competition joining the ceremony in Georgetown.

Deputy Secretary-General, Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite presented the four (4) trophies at the small ceremony to the two winners in each category – Zennisha Richards and Evrods Wilson – as well as to the 3rd Prize winner in the Junior category and 5th Prize winner in the Senior category.

The Regional Art Competition was held as part of the 30th Anniversary celebrations of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas.