The Planning Committee of the 50-50 Caribbean Conference has launched its Essay Competition as part of the ongoing efforts to encourage participation in what promises to be one of the most anticipated events of March 2012.

The theme for the competition, “50-50: Surveying the Past, Mapping the Future”, follows that of the Conference, which is being staged by the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the International College of the Cayman Islands (ICCI) .

There are two main categories for entrants: Secondary and Tertiary. The secondary category is for fifth and sixth form students and the tertiary category is open for students in all tertiary institutions.

“The topics cover diverse areas that are linked to the conference theme: politics, colonialism, crime, governance to name a few.      The topics for each category are listed on the website www.UCCIconference.ky,” said Ms. Erica Gordon, Committee Member.

According to the committee, the competition is a way to actively involve the youth of Cayman in this historical event. Ms Gordon explained: “The competition serves as a way to encourage the participation of students who may not be able to present papers at the conference.“

The deadline for submission of entries is Monday, February 27,2012. The winners will be announced on March 23, during the closing ceremonies of the conference.