Arcadia Primary and Yallahs Primary Schools emerged as the 2026 champions of the St. Thomas Health Department's Oral Health Month Quiz and Poetry competition. The event was held on October 29 at the Social Development Commission office in Springfield.
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In the quiz competition, Arcadia Primary triumphed over Yallahs Primary in the finals, while Prospect Primary secured third place and White Horses Primary took fourth.
Yallahs Primary’s Breeana Gayle won the poetry competition, impressing the audience with her rendition of ‘Yuh Nuh Si Mi Teet’ by Kameil McNeil and Breeana Gayle, enhanced by props and costume.
Winners and participants received medals and trophies from the St. Thomas Health Department, along with gift packages from Kirk Distributors.
Jennifer Barrett McCarthy, the Parish Dental Auxiliaries Coordinator, noted that the competition was previously conducted nationally but was introduced in St. Thomas last year. Four schools were selected last year and four more this year to participate, with the October event focusing on raising awareness of oral hygiene among students.
Barrett McCarthy explained that the initiative involves screening students, not just the participants, and directing them to clinics for treatment. She highlighted the importance of promoting proper oral hygiene to foster responsible habits in children as they grow.
She stated, "Preventive measures, such as using toothbrushes, toothpaste, and flossing, can significantly reduce future healthcare costs, especially given the limited government resources. Creating awareness in young minds is crucial."
This effort aims to instill good oral health practices among children, emphasizing prevention as a cost-effective measure.