The public is invited to participate in a poetry and essay writing competition as part of activities to observe the Commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Long Look Free People.
The poetry competition is open to the age categories of 9 – 12, 13 – 17, and 18 and older. Poems that are submitted by the age categories of 9-12 and 13-17 should have a 10 line minimum while poems submitted by ages 18 and older should have a 20 line minimum. 
The critical essay component is open to the age category of 18 and older. Essays must be 5 pages in length, double spaced using Times New Roman. The 5 page minimum length does not include the bibliography. Resources are available at the Virgin Islands Studies Institute at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Entrants may also conduct oral history interviews. 
Prizes for winners in the poetry competition in each section of the children’s category are: first place $100.00, second place $75.00 and third place $50.00. Prizes for winners in the adult’s category (18 years and up) in the poetry competition and the critical essay competition are: first place $500.00, second place $200.00 and third place $100.00. Only one entry per person per category is allowed. 
The deadline date for submission is Thursday, 25th June. For more information please contact Mrs. Bernadine Louis at 546-1091 or 852-7148 or Dr. Katherine Smith at 468-9912 or 468-4369. All entries must be submitted to emails: viculture@gov.vg or katsmioth@gov.vg.