The winners of a Father’s Day essay competition for schools were announced at the weekend.

The competition, open to Primary 5 and 6 pupils in public schools, asked children why their father should be “father of the year”.

Amariah Kirkos, the primary 5 overall winner, of Harrington Sound PS, wrote: "My baba (father) is very encouraging.

“I have a tendency to quit and when I want to stop doing something, he encourages me to keep going."

Tarryn Matthie, the primary 6 overall winner, of St George’s Prep, said: "I think my dad, Harry Matthie, should be recognised for being a great father because he respects, loves, cares for, and supports me every day.

“My dad supports me with every fibre in his body."

The competition, divided into east, central and western zones, was organised by the education ministry with the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

Diallo Rabain, the education minister, said on Saturday: "Congratulations to both the winners and their fathers.

“I am sure this Father's Day will be that much more special because of this contest."

The overall winners won a Samsung tablet and the zone winners picked up a Google Chromebook.

Nala Outerbridge, an East End PS pupil and the P5 winner for the eastern zone, wrote: "Another reason my dad is the best dad ever is because he believes in me.

“When I told him that I wanted to become a doctor, he told me that he believes in me and that I will be a good doctor."

Shale Nisbett, the western zone P6 winner and a Dalton E Tucker PS pupil, wrote: "He calls me every day to see how I am doing. Even if he is working, busy, on vacation, or just waking up from a nap, he always has time for me."

Primary 5 central zone Winner Jaaziah Astwood of West Pembroke PS, who triumphed in the P5 central zone category, wrote: "During a very hard time for my family, I admire how my father was able to manage work, keep the house clean, and still meet all of our family's needs.

“I love my father with all of my heart and could never see myself without him.

“I always thought my father was a hero, but now I see him as a superhero."

Mr Rabain said: "I want to thank all the P5 and P6 students that submitted essays this year.

“This competition was created to inspire children to recognise the significant role fathers have in their lives.

“It is heart-warming that for the fourth year we are continuing to receive many submissions, and the quality of the essays truly highlight the important role of fathers."

The prizes were presented by Mr Rabain to the pupils, alongside their parents.

The other winners were:

Erynn Paynter, Harrington Sound PS, eastern zone, P6.

Ann Bolyn Maye, West Pembroke PS, central zone, P6.

Dunstan DeSa, Purvis PS, western zone P5.