Nov 06 - Poetry Competition First Prize for Rebecca Faller

This year’s annual poetry competition, organised by the Ministry of Culture, in conjunction with the Gibraltar Chronicle and the Department of Education attracted 137 entries, many of which, adjudicator Charles Durante insisted were worthy of attention and were crying out for recognition. He noted that he would have liked to have rewarded many more poems.

At the prize giving ceremony, Minister Linares explained that the competition adds a separate dimension to culture. He added, ‘this element adds alongside music, theatre, art and other established aspects the literary aspect of the Festival. I am extremely pleased with the high number of entries, but more importantly, with the quality of the entries.

I would like to thank everyone involved in this venture, including the Gibraltar Chronicle, the Department of Education and Training and especially the adjudicator Mr Charles Durante. 'However, I would like especially thank the many children who put pen to paper and in doing so allowed us to enjoy their excellent work.’

Prize winners included Mihran Haider, who’s piece ‘Broken Wing’ was awarded the 1^st prize for school years 8-11 and Fabiana Coppock’s poem ‘Darkness’ which won him the 1^st prize for school years 4 -7. James Garcia’s poem ‘Rio Sabio’ won him the ‘Best Poem in the Spanish Language’ award. 3^rd place overall was awarded to Luke Perera for his piece ‘Ascent to the International Space Station’. 2^nd place was awarded to Jackie Anderson for her poem ‘Night Watch’ and first place was awarded to Rebecca Faller for her piece ‘The Box In The Hall’.

The Overall winner received a £300 cash prize and a trophy whilst the entry for the Best Poem in the Spanish language received a £50 cash prize and a trophy donated by the Ministry of Culture.

The winners in each school year category also received a trophy donated by the Ministry of Culture, as well as a £50 voucher and a pen kindly donated by the Gibraltar Chronicle. All entries will be published in the Gibraltar Chronicle, as from Friday.