St. Lucia, St. Kitts advance in Quiz

St Vincent and the Grenadines was eliminated from the Caricom Regional Quiz Competition during the first round, which was held here last week.

The competition, which saw six countries vying for a place in the semi-finals, was held at the Anglican Pastoral Centre on Thursday, June 12th, and Friday, June 13th, in Zone one of the Regional quiz. {{more}}

Over the two days, the students were quizzed on Caricom related matters. The first round of competition, which was held on Thursday 12th saw St Lucia, Barbados and St Vincent and the Grenadines doing battle. On the second day of competition Guyana, Monsterrat, St Kitts and Nevis faced off. But it was St Lucia and St Kitts and Nevis who emerged victorious. Both teams have earned their places to compete against the winning teams of Zone Two in Antigua and Barbuda on June 30th.

Sir Louis Straker, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade, while addressing the opening ceremony said he is delighted to know that there is a competition where students can be engaged in an activity which would increase their knowledge about the Caribbean and its integration process. He told the students that they are the ones to whom the baton would be passed to bring about not only an economic union, but a political one as well. Straker told the students that in order for us to survive in the globalized world we must come together. The Deputy Prime Minister encouraged the students to take advantage of all the opportunities that are awarded to them. He urged them to continue to make their contribution to the “Further ennobling of the Caribbean civilization”.

Special adviser to the office of the Caricom Secretary General Marilyne Trotz read a statement from Caricom Secretary General Edwin Carrington who said that competition is to enlighten the young people of our countries about Caricom, its genesis, purpose, achievement and aspiration. She said that the increased number of participants in this year’s competition shows the desire to more about Caricom. She expressed the hope that through this experience, the knowledge and camaraderie gained by the students will contribute to their development as a committed Caribbean citizen.

Chief Education Officer Susan Dougan commended the students for all the hard work they put in to prepare for the competition. Dougan said the Quiz has increased students’ knowledge about the Caribbean and its history. She stated that the activity is an enriching one for students to be exposed to. She felt the two days of competition were remarkable and said that she saw the integration movement at work.

The Regional Quiz Competition, which is sponsored in part by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was held to mark the 35th anniversary of Caricom. Its aim is increase students’ knowledge about the Caribbean Community and the integration movement. The winner will be presented at the twenty-ninth meeting of the conference of Heads of Government meeting on July1st in Antigua and Barbuda.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines was represented by Gregory Deane of the St. Vincent Grammar School, Serah Jackson of the St Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua and Roseanne Richardson of the Girls’ High School, with Leah McNichols, also of

the Girls’ High School as reserve.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines won the inaugural Caricom schools’ quiz in 1983.(VM)