A number of students were yesterday awarded for winning a national poster competition and an essay writing competition.
The competitions were organised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in collaboration with the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the University of Guyana (UG).
Submissions for the poster competition were made by students of secondary and primary schools under the respective themes ‘Youth in Action for Climate Change’ and ‘Children and Climate Change’. The essay competition captured the theme ‘Biodiversity and Agriculture in Guyana’ and targeted students of the Guyana School of Agriculture for submissions.
Ashley Perone and Tiffany Dhanbeer of Marian Academy, along with Farah Crawford of Bishops High School won for their submissions in the secondary category placing first to third respectively.
David Thomas and Mohamed Baksh of Soesdyke Primary along with Crystal Farinah of Marian Academy won for their submissions in the primary category placing first to third respectively.
The students of the Guyana School of Agriculture who respectively copped the first to third places in the essay competition were Tanza McAlmont, Tricia D’Olivera and Lashauna Haynes.
The awardees were all presented with certificates. Added to that, those in the poster competition won for themselves and two persons, trips to nature resorts in Guyana. Those who emerged winners in the essay competition were presented with book vouchers each valuing $10,000.
Speaking at the simple presentation ceremony, Senior Environmental Officer of the EPA, Padmini Persaud-Roberts expressed her happiness that the awardees took up the challenge to be part of the competition. “It will help students to appreciate the environment and protect it,” she stated. She further highlighted that “their work shows that they don’t only have an interest but knowledge in climate change as well.”
Persaud also underscored that it is important for all to get involved and play a pivotal role in protecting the environment. She urged the awardees to keep their interest in environmental issues alive.
Environmental Health Adviser-PAHO/WHO- Guyana, Dr Teo’filo Monterio who also spoke at the ceremony, related that PAHO/WHO was pleased to be associated with the event and applauded the efforts of the awardees. Monterio charged the students to continue the excellent work. “You are the future leaders and there is no better time than now, to learn about climate change and the effects it has globally,” Monterio added.
Calvin Bernard, Lecturer and Manager of the Biodiversity Centre-University of Guyana encouraged the awardees to commit themselves to learning all they can about climate change and also stressed that what is learnt should be shared with others.
The awards presentation was held at the Bandstand of the Botanical Gardens.
