Record number of entries in annual poetry competition

The 2016 annual poetry competition organised by Gibraltar Cultural Services on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, and in conjunction with the Gibraltar Chronicle and Department of Education, received a record number of entries. The competition attracted a total of 360 entries with a large number of children’s entries.

Culture Minister Steven Linares, sitting next to new Education Minister Dr John Cortes, was overwhelmed with the response this year and announced that GCS would be publishing a book with all the winning entries over the years at some time in the future.

This year, well-known local poet Rebecca Faller was the overall winner, winning the adult section of the competition, for her poem “The White Rose”.

Winner in School Years 4 – 5 was Leila Debono from St Joseph’s Middle School with “The Rock Monster”.

Winner in School Years 6 - 7 was Liam Almeida  also from  St Joseph’s Middle School with The Regatta”, and winner in School Years 8 - 11  was Joseph Garcia with “The Butcher” from  Bayside Comprehensive School.

Presenting the prizes at the John Mackintosh Hall yesterday Minister for Culture Steven Linares said the Poetry Competition gave another dimension to Culture.

“This element adds, alongside music, theatre, art and other established aspects, the literary aspect of the Autumn Cultural Programme. I am extremely pleased with the high number of entries, but more importantly, with the quality of these.”

FULL STORY IN OUR PRINT AND E-EDITIONS