Contributed

Sherraine Phillips (left) of Campion College, Maxine Nelson (centre) of Ardenne High and Natassja Douse of Glenmuir High display their trophies after placing first, second and third, respectively, in the Access to Information Unit's National Essay Competition.

Sonia Mitchell,Gleaner Writer

Sherraine Phillips, a 16-year-old Campion College student, emerged queen of the pack in the first-ever Access to Information (ATI) National Essay Competition, which climaxed at the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports offices in Kingston on Thursday.

Phillips, who topped Maxine Nelson, 18, of Ardenne High, and Natassja Douse, 16, of Glenmuir High, took home $10,000, as well as the winner's trophy and a gift package.

"I am overjoyed and glad for the experience that ATI brought to the youths so we could participate and be able to gain knowledge on the act," she said.

Phillips was praised by Tricia Cameron-Anglin, public-education manager at the ATI Unit and one of the competition judges, as the only applicant to stick to the 2,000-word limit.

Exceptional skill

Cameron-Anglin said the Campionite demonstrated exceptional skill and craftsmanship and exhibited a supreme grasp of the topic.

The essay topic was 'Why access to information is important to Jamaica's democracy and how it can improve your community'.

Nelson, who cashed in on $7,000 as well as snaring the ATI Stakeholders Group trophy, said she was overwhelmed by the occasion and said the information legislation played a significant role in preserving Jamaica's democracy.

Douse, who was awarded $5,000, praised the competition organisers for the initiative.

Dr Carolyn Gomes, guest speaker and chairperson of the ATI Stakeholder Advisory Committee, said the competition was part of the ATI Unit's campaign to pique public interest in state information.

"ATI was a door that is opened by the Government, building and holding the information on behalf of the citizens which is now open to public knowledge," she said.

Gomes, a human-rights lobbyist aligned with Jamaicans for Justice, also urged citizens to get their hands on public information that would benefit them and their communities.

Damian Wilson, director at the information unit, said the next year's competition would try to specially appeal to college students.

sonia.mitchell@gleanerjm.com