BVI Seventh-day Adventist Primary School student Talisa Toussaint receives her trophy for winning the 2019 Spelling Bee in the primary division of the competition. Photo: GIS

From left: Acting Chief Education Officer, Connie E. George; BVI Seventh-day Adventist Primary School student, Talisa Toussaint, who won the 2019 Spelling Bee in the primary division of the competition; second placed, Arianna Tillack, a student of the Althea Scatliffe primary School and third place winner, Zevieh Abraham of the Ivan Dawson Primary School. Photo: GIS

The second place was captured by Arianna Tillack, a student of the Althea Scatliffe primary School and third place went to Zevieh Abraham, a student from the Ivan Dawson Primary School.

Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) congratulated all the students especially the top three spellers and organisers of the event.

Honourable Wheatley said, “I congratulate each one of you for your willingness and aptitude to participate in this competition. I want to continue to encourage you to show interest in representing your schools in events such as these, which will assist shaping you as you become outstanding students and members of society.”

The minister said his ministry is pleased to organise events such as the Spelling Competition with the purpose of promoting students’ knowledge of proper word usage and pronunciation, and expand students’ vocabulary and encourage reading. The aim is also to encourage students to strive for excellence in spelling skills and provide an opportunity for students to meet and compete with their peers in an atmosphere of fun and friendship.

Seventeen (17) primary schools participated in the first segment of the competition. After the process of elimination was complete, three students from three schools captured the first three spots.

This event was sponsored by Collins, the Dictionary Company out of England and the Rotary Club of Road Town.