The Bermuda International Business Association announces the winners of their first-ever "Annual General Meeting" essay competition. Students were asked to submit a 500-word essay answering the question "What will the new US presidential administration mean to Bermuda?"

Among the many essays submitted, eight students were selected. Essays were judged on the content, the ability to support a position or argument, and the use of grammar.

The eight winners have been awarded a private breakfast with guest speaker Roland Martin prior to the start of the annual general meeting. Mr. Martin will offer the children his perspective on President Obama as someone who has covered his meteoric rise from a state Senator in Illinois, to US Senator and now 44th President of the United States.

"Those essays that offered some different perspective than the others and reflected some unique and passionate views are those which truly stood out from the rest and deserved special recognition among all Bermudians," said BIBA chief executive officer Cheryl Packwood.

The following students will be recognised for their essays: Lezlie Bailey, Bermuda High School, Year 10F; Julia Dunne, Bermuda High School, Year 10G; Hannah King, Bermuda High School, Year IB2; Matthias Lawrence, Dellwood Middle School, Year M2; Archer Hill, Berkeley Institute, Year S3; Kristyn Dale, Bermuda High School, Year 10; Sheniqua Hunt, Bermuda High School, Year 10F; and Jolaina Welch, Berkeley Institute, Year S3.

The students who submitted essays presented wide ranging views on the impact of President Obama's Administration on Bermuda. They had optimism about the positive influence of his administration on race relations in Bermuda and the inspiration he has provided the world.

Many were also concerned about the impact of a change in tax policy on Bermuda's international business community and the economy. The winning essays will also be posted to the BIBA website (www.biba.org) immediately following the breakfast.

"We were pleased with participation and, in particular, the English teachers from The Bermuda High School, Lisa Taylor and Christine Khoo, who incorporated the essay question into their classes as an assignment," said Shawnta Simmons, communications coordinator and designer of the essay competition

Ms Packwood added: "There is no doubt that our young people have an appreciation for history, a deep and profound respect for Bermuda, some real concerns about the world and also real optimism and hope about what change in the US will mean for them here at home."

Among the highlights from each of the winning essays, BIBA shared some excerpts:

Lezlie Bailey: "This new US Administration also provides hope for all Bermudians. Maybe instead of young men sitting on corners they may look up to the new president and make a choice to further their lives. Barack Obama could be the very person that helps Bermuda move forward. Bermuda already has a problem with young boys choosing not to go to school and getting in trouble. If they see Barack Obama as an example many of our young men will excel and support our community which will help Bermuda and our whole generation."

Julia Dunne: "Not only does Obama bring new policies and ideas, but he is an inspiration to many. He brings hope that we will be rescued from mistakes made before him, bringing a hope for change. As the first African-American president of the United States, Obama brings inspiration, simply by being the first. In a community that highly respects the role of an African-American, Obama is seen as a role model, who many look up to. By introducing Obama to the White House, many Americans and Bermudians have been changed and inspired to continue successes such as his."

Hannah King: "The economic relationship and therefore interdependence that exists between Bermuda and other nations, particularly the US, due to the international businesses which we support is globalisation. From looking solely at Bermuda, losing international businesses would be devastating and a real blow to our economy. However, because Bermuda is part of globalisation, the economy and the effect of the new US Presidential Administration on other nations must be taken into account also."

Matthias Lawrence: "In closing, I think President Obama will be a great leader for America, and that Bermuda will benefit in some way from this new administration. We just have to have faith! In 400 years, we are still here and nothing really bad has happened to Bermuda. We are a proud and strong people. We will weather the storm that lies before us. We will weather the storm of rising food prices. We will weather the storm of international businesses leaving Bermuda. And we will weather the storm of tourists going elsewhere to spend their hard earned money. We will be steadfast to our motto: Quo Fata Ferunt – Whither the Fates Carry Us."

Archer Hill: "However, with Premier Ewart Brown determined to bring back tourism and make everyone 'feel the love' I believe that tourism regaining it's dominance in Bermuda is in no way a stretch and that it is completely possible and will have to happen for Bermuda to continue being a wealthy country with a strong economy."

Kristyn Dale: "An additional change that will benefit Bermuda, as well as the rest if the world, is the hope which Obama presents the nation. The world is in a crisis – with the economy, wars and global warming, and Obama gives the people hope by presenting them with innovating plans to a promising future, As the United States is an incredibly influential country, their reality dictates that of the rest of the world. Perhaps, if they are hopeful and moving in the right direction, other nations will follow by example."

Sheniqua Hunt: "If the Obama Administration was to take away the international businesses in Bermuda, not only will the Bermudian economy will (sic) be ruined but lives could be taken. This is cause for concern and should really make people think about the negative side of the presidential election."

Jolaina Welch: "The new U.S. Presidential Administration will mean that the majority of Bermuda's International Businesses will have to leave Bermuda and go back to the United States. These businesses are important to Bermuda's economy because they earn more revenue than tourism for the Government."