The Jamaica Pegasus hotel was filled with excitement on Friday, August 30, as the National Reading Competition Champions for 2024 were revealed and celebrated for their literary talents and outstanding readership.

Under the theme “Read More in 2024”, Athena Whyte (6-8 age group), Yendi Burke (9-11 age group), Daniel Lyle (12-14 age group), Fantasia Edwards (15-20 age group), and Ugochukwu Durueke (21 and over age group) emerged as the champions, demonstrating exceptional skills in various categories of the competition.

The event highlighted achievements in Best Letter, Best Book Review, Best Story Ending, Best Poetry Analysis, and the Highest Overall Champion.

Director General of the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) Maureen Thompson, lauded the competition’s growth, noting a 17 per cent increase in registrants from the previous year. She noted that this year’s participation soared to 3,133, including 2,847 children and 286 adults.

“… public libraries continue to foster a nurturing environment where reading and learning are
championed, valued, and celebrated,” she said.

The awards ceremony saw the winners, alongside runners-up and sectional awardees, receiving a range of prizes including trophies, cash awards, tablets, books, and hotel stays, thanks to generous partnerships with the private sector.

CEO of the VM Foundation Samantha Charles noted the broader impact of reading.

“Reading is not just a form of leisure but exposes those who indulge to information on critical life
skills, which can be applied toward self, community and national development. It is this observation
which initially led the VM team to pursue our partnership with the Jamaica Library Service,” she said.

Ugochukwu Durueke, who secured the title of Highest Overall Champion, expressed his gratitude and future aspirations in his acceptance speech.

“It has been a long journey of determination, doggedness, [and] resilience. I tried to achieve this aim
for 10 years …I thank JLS for what they have done for me…they have made a great impact on my life
and I plan to partner with them as a reading ambassador,” he said.

The evening’s celebrations were a tribute to the dedication of local librarians, teachers, and families who support the pursuit of literacy. The event elucidated the Jamaica Library Service’s commitment to fostering a culture of reading and learning across Jamaica.