Now in its 137th year, the Queens Commonwealth Essay competition sees thousands of participants.

The competition is an opportunity for all young Commonwealth citizens and residents, regardless of region, education or background, to share ideas, celebrate their stories. and have their voices heard - all while developing key skills.

Founder of SLUTERRA, Michelle N. Samuel, who is also a junior judge of the Queens Commonwealth Essay Competition, indicated that young writers often express in writing, issues that adults discuss including crime, poverty and gender inequality. She also acknowledged the winners of the competition.

The senior gold award was won by Khadijah Halliday a student of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. Her chosen topic “Family, Community, Nation, Commonwealth—What are our opportunities for shared growth.”

Student of St. Joseph’s Convent, Sade Gustave, won the junior gold award. Her chosen topic was “My Cultural Connections.”

In 2015, the contest was renamed The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s role as both Head of the Commonwealth and Patron of The Royal Commonwealth Society. The theme for the 2019 Queens Commonwealth Essay Competition was “A Connected Commonwealth.” The competition is open to all citizens and residents of the Commonwealth aged 18 and under.