Science Expo gets under way

THE Barbados Light & Power Company continues to support young people and the pursuit of excellence. One way in which the company does this is through the sponsorship of the annual Electricity and Renewable Energy (RE) Science Exposition for Schools, which was launched recently at the Roland Edwards Primary School as part of the St. Peter We Gatherin’ calendar.

The competition, now in its fifth year, is staged in conjunction with the Media Resource Department (MRD) of the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training and was described by the Chief Media Resource Officer (Ag.) Burkley Lowe, as an example of good corporate citizenship.

“Light & Power … must be applauded for its efforts in promoting not only safety as a way to work and to learn, but also for the collaboration between private and public partners to ensure a better learning environment for students.

“Every year for the last five years, Light & Power has facilitated seminars for teachers, interactive demonstrations for students in the primary and secondary schools as well as guided tours of their solar photovoltaic plant at Trents, St. Lucy for both teachers and students.”

He added that, “The annual competition, sponsored by Light & Power, is a great opportunity for students to learn by investigation and exploration. At the MRD, we are always keen to develop and share resources that enhance the teaching/learning experience in order to fulfil the goal of the Ministry of Education, which seeks to provide a quality education for all.”

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Senator Dr. Romel Springer, praised the work of the MRD and that of the teachers who are working to ensure that the current generation of students are being adequately prepared for the future.

He said, “I want to focus … on the idea of creating a regional centre of excellence in RE research and development. This island has the ability to become that centre. We have the minds, the skills and the determination to achieve it. And so, this opportunity given to our students to explore, research and create is very much welcomed at a time like this.

“We want you the students to know that you have a role to play in this agenda. Your ideas of how we can move forward, your ideas for renewable energy and how we can use it effectively in this island, your research and your experiments in helping us to keep our global relevance are what is most anticipated. We see you not as the future scientists, but as the scientists now as the persons who will guide us to the new era of the world of 2030.”

Light & Power’s Manager, Communications and Government Relations, Jackie Marshall-Clarke, spoke on the importance of the partnership with the MRD and the impact it has had on students.

“Over the years, we have had 35 schools participate with over 75 projects and we hope more schools participate this year. The prizes and awards, valued at $25 000 each year, are won by both students and schools. We will be adding more participation awards this year and we have opened an individual category for students who want to enter on their own. Light & Power is pleased to collaborate with Government and the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training in the development of the island’s youth.”

Judging of this year’s Expo will take place on Friday, May 22.