Students exhibit their creative skills in chemicals poster competition

Students who participated in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment’s poster competition have been commended for their efforts, but they were also reminded about the importance of their role in protecting the environment from these chemicals.{{more}}

On Friday, December 9, a prize-giving ceremony was held at the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment’s conference room for the winners of the poster competition.

The Ministry joined forces with Strategic Approach to International Chemical Management (SAICM), through their project “Strengthening National Capacity for Sound Management of Chemicals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines”. Courts SVG Ltd and LIME also collaborated on the initiative.

Marcus Richards, who represented SAICM at the ceremony, explained to the students gathered that the Strategic Approach to International Chemical Management is a very important initiative that is being undertaken by the global community.

“We cannot overemphasize that chemicals are very important, especially in our everyday use…

“I had the opportunity to look at some of the innovative posters that were done and it goes to show the creativity of our young minds. I would like to say congratulations on the work well done and the winners.”

He, however, warned that although the use of chemicals is important, there is a very delicate balance between the potential of chemical uses and what is done with them on a day-to-day basis.

“It is extremely important that chemicals are managed in a very sound manner and this is why the global initiative has been put in place in order to manage these chemicals by 2020.

“Each and every one of us has an important role to play in order to ensure that our environment is sustained for not just us who are here, but also for future generations to come,” Richards said.

The competition, which ran from October to November was held under the theme, “Better Chemical Management, Better Health, Better Environment.”

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment Shirla Francis told the gathering that the use and management of chemicals is of interest to everyone.

The PS noted that the SAICM is a plan to ensure that by the year 2020, all chemicals are used and produced in ways related to the minimization of significant adverse effects on human health and the Environment.

This project, according to Francis, was launched in August and the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment partnered with the Ministry of Education in executing the program.

“We often say that you, our youth, is the future of the country. Preservation of your country St Vincent and the Grenadines is also your responsibility.

“From the posters I’ve seen I realize that you understand the importance of the management of chemicals in this country. I want to congratulate all of the teachers and you the students who actually did the work, for participating in this significant poster competition.

“You are going to grow up to be our chemists, our environmentalists, our teachers … and if you start from this early age and understanding what protecting the environment means, you will help to manage for your children and children’s children,” she added.

Twenty entries were submitted by students ranging from kindergarten to the tertiary level.

The Kingstown Anglican School won the 8-12 category while the Girls’ High School won the 12-15 and the St Vincent Technical College won the 16 years and over category.

Prizes for the competition were provided by sponsors, LIME and Courts SVG Ltd. These included cell phones, MP3 players, books and thumb drives.(AA)