OCHO RIOS, St.Ann:
KNOX COMMUNITY College from Manchester and Hampton High School in St. Elizabeth were the top prize winners in the ninth Caribbean Regional Science, Mathematics & Technology fair sponsored by the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPSCo) recently.
Some 48 schools from nine Caribbean countries took part in the 10-day event, which was held at the Renaissance Jamaica Grande Resort under the theme "Science, Maths and Technology for Regional Sustainable Development."
The technology fair was hosted by the Association of Science Teacher's of Jamaica in collaboration with the Caribbean Science Teacher's Association, in an effort to get students to develop a greater appreciation for the core subjects.
Students were divided into various categories - primary divisions, lower secondary division, senior secondary, sixth form and tertiary.
In the end, it was Hampton High and Knox Community College who were declared joint first place winners, sharing the $50,000 worth of book vouchers donated by the JPSCo., along with the JPSCo trophy, which were presented by the company's Community Relations Manager, Maurice Reid.
Jamaican schools dominated the top prizes with Knox Community College also collecting the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) award for best tertiary-related project.
The JPSCo-sponsored best energy-related exhibit went to Decarteret College, also from Manchester.
Many of the participating students won for themselves gold, silver and bronze medals and were each presented with certificates of participation.
Speaking on behalf of the JPSCo, Mr. Reid said the company's participation was indicative of its commitment to the development of science and technology in the region and that he was pleased with the outcome of the fair. "Also, as a leading company in Jamaica we must play our part to encourage our young scientists to work towards greater achievement and against that background we are proud to be associated with this project," he said.
President of the Association of Science Teacher's of Jamaica, Dr. Errol Miller, said the awards have helped to motivate the students and he hoped the JPSCo would continue to be a good godfather for the fair.
Describing the fair as a most worthwhile and successful venture, chairman of the Steering Committee, Frank Newton, of Dominica, said the wide range of issues dealt with would prepare the students of the various countries within the Caribbean to take on future challenges. Mr. Newton also agreed that any attempt to bring together Caribbean students must be seen as worthwhile.
