Pearl Cornibert is the 2018 Courts OECS Reading Champion

Courts, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, hosted its ninth annual "Courts OECS Schools Reading Competition Finals" on May 24th 2018 at the Harbour Club in St Lucia.

The six finalists representing their respective OECS islands competed for the coveted title of Courts OECS Reading Competition Champion and corresponding cash prize of $5,000 for themselves and $5,000 in cash for his or her school.

The OECS Courts Competition Finals representatives were: Richelle Wilson- Antigua and Barbuda; Kenilee Smithee Baron- Dominica; Ayo Taylor- Grenada; Nazia Byron- St. Kitts and Nevis; Pearl Cornibert- St. Lucia; Jonniel Stowe- St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The students were given two passages; the same narrative piece in the first segment and a recent news piece from an island other than their own. The competition was regarded as highly competitive and successful by chief judge Mrs. Angela Mariatte, who praised Courts for their commitment to education through literacy across the OECS. In the end Pearl Cornibert, St Lucia's representative, a student of the Eucharist Lewis Seventh Day Adventist School was crowned Courts

Second runner up Miss Richelle Wilson of Antigua and Barbuda walked away with $3,000 in cash and in 3rd place Miss Kenilee Smithee Baron of Dominica received $2,000 in cash. All other participants received $1,000 each plus prizes from other corporate sponsors.

"Courts is committed to the development of the country's in which we operate by engaging the youth through educational initiatives like the schools reading competition," stated Courts OECS Managing Director Vincent Gordon.