Antigua and Barbuda’s future food security champions were celebrated at the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy’s (MOALFBE) inaugural World Food Day Poster Competition Awards Ceremony on December 30th. The event, held at the Fisheries Conference Room, spotlighted young creative talents addressing critical national issues through artistic expression.
Mrs. Denise Matthias-Thomas, Principal Assistant Secretary, set the tone by emphasizing the Ministry’s foundational belief in early education’s role in building resilient food systems. “Our young people are indispensable partners in crafting a food-secure future for our nation,” she stated, highlighting the strategic integration of agriculture, fisheries, and environmental education.
The competition, conceptualized by Communications Head Mrs. Carol-Faye Bynoe-George, engaged government primary and secondary schools with the 2025 World Food Day theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.” Students translated complex concepts of sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and blue economy principles into visually compelling artworks that demonstrated remarkable conceptual understanding.
Despite being a pilot initiative with participation from three institutions—All Saints Secondary School, Sir Novelle Richards Academy, and Simon Bolivar Primary School—the quality of entries exceeded expectations. Judging criteria encompassed theme alignment, creative originality, message clarity, national relevance, and visual impact, with Mr. Gregory Bailey, Director of Agriculture, presenting participation certificates to all young artists.
Top honors were awarded to Shaniyah Francis (T.N. Kirnon Primary) in the primary category, while Gabriella Eusebe claimed first place in the secondary division from All Saints Secondary School, followed by schoolmates Keairra Smith (second) and J’Shorna Appleton from Sir Novelle Richards Academy (third). Winners received gift certificates alongside their placement awards.
The ceremony concluded with Ms. Emerald David’s vote of thanks, acknowledging collaborative efforts across ministry leadership, educators, parents, and organizers. “These students remind us why youth engagement remains fundamental to sustainable development,” she noted, before a photographic showcase captured the intersection of artistic achievement and agricultural innovation.