A Progressive Labour Party candidate and a retired Police officer have been selected as Big Sister and Big Brother of the year. The titles were bestowed on Patrice Parris and Charles Williams during Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Bermuda's 20th anniversary banquet last month.

The decision was based on an essay-writing competition. Miss Parris' Little Sister is 12-year-old Zakiya Burchall, and Mr. Williams' Little Brother is Amaury Symonds, aged eight.

Their winning essays are printed here.

Judges were assistant Cabinet Secretary Robert Horton, PRIDE executive director Judith Burgess, and Berkeley Institute acting deputy principal Carlos Symonds.

Litle Brother Essay Competition Winner Amaury Symonds is eight years old. His Big Brother is Charles Williams. They have been matched for 16 months.

"I am writing this letter to say why My Big Brother Charles Williams should be Big Brother of the year.

My name is Amaury Symonds. Charles is a very special person in my life. We have been together for one year, at first I was shy but Charles had patience with me, he is a good role model for me and he cares for me and treats me like a part of his family. Charles tells me that he has two brothers now.

Charles is always willing to attend any functions that involve me. When he is told by my mom about a function he always answers I'll have to mark that down, so you know the answer -- I'll be there. Charles has attended my church functions. On the day I became a Junior Soldier in the Salvation Army Charles was there to witness this. At the beginning of the school year he was there to take me. When he attends functions at his friend's house he includes me and introduces me as his little brother -- that makes me feel special.

Charles is like a real father figure to me. I have not seen my dad since I was very young. Charles has helped me to enjoy some of the things that a little boy likes to do like fishing, sailing, movies to name a few I even know how to start a dinghy now.

I know that if I need moral support Charles will be there for me. I enjoy all the time we spend together. Although Charles and I are not the same in colour, we are the same in heart. We love each other and that is why I want my Big Brother to be the Big Brother of the year.

Thank You Big Brothers Association for My Brother And I Thank You Charles for Caring for Me.'' BROTHERLY LOVE -- Charles Williams, at right, proudly stands next to his eight-year-old Little Brother Amaury Symonds.