Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)

Pembroke Pines, FL (August 18, 2015) – Each year, the FCCA Foundation Children’s Essay Contest awards Caribbean and Latin American students and schools. Prompted to write essays transmitting the relationship between cruise tourism and their destinations, students and schools participate in local competitions before sending finalists to the FCCA. This year’s contest featured finalists from 19 destinations ranging from juniors (ages 12 and younger) to seniors (13-16), with more than $30,000 awarded to the participants and schools.

Though all finalists displayed the students’ educational excellence, creativity, knowledge and awareness of their destinations, cruise tourism and their symbiotic relationship, first- to third-place winners were selected.

Emily Quinto from Belize took the junior division gold, and Montell Phillip from Dominica won the senior division, each earning a $3,000 scholarship for themselves, along with an equal donation for their schools, and a paid trip with chaperones to accept their prizes at the FCCA Conference & Trade Show Opening Ceremony in Cozumel, Mexico on Tuesday, October 6.

Other winners included Lindxee Collins from Jamaica taking second in the junior division; Rol-J Williams from St. Kitts & Nevis winning second in the senior division; Hilary Nigel Lawrence from Dominica collecting third in the junior division; and Kaitlynne R. Haylock from Belize placing third in the senior division.

Second-place winners and schools are awarded $1,500 each; third-place winners and schools earn $1,000 each; and all finalists and schools receive $200 each to honor the efforts and talents of all involved.

About the FCCA Foundation
The FCCA Foundation provides a tangible mechanism for the cruise industry to fund a range of humanitarian causes in Caribbean and Latin American destinations. In its 20 years, the Foundation has benefited thousands of citizens by providing funding and countless hours to causes and charities throughout the regions. In addition to assisting deserving institutions like charities and hospitals and aiding during crises like natural disasters, the Foundation executes annual projects, including the Holiday Gift Project, which delivers thousands of presents and smiles to underprivileged children during the holiday season, and poster and essay competitions to award students’ efforts and creativity.

Created in 1972, the FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization that provides a forum for discussion on tourism development, ports, safety, security, and other cruise industry issues and builds bilateral relationships with destinations’ private and public sectors. By fostering an understanding of the cruise industry and its operating practices, the FCCA works with governments, ports and private sector representatives to maximize cruise passenger, crew and cruise line spending, as well as enhance the destination experience and increase the amount of cruise passengers returning as stay-over visitors. For more information, visit F-CCA.com and @FCCAupdates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.