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Dr. Luz Claudio with some of |
To launch the week’s proceedings, Dr. Luz Claudio, Senior Scientist at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, delivered the feature address titled “Scientific Solutions to Social Problems”. Professor Dyer Narinesingh, Chairman of the National Science Centre Advisory Committee, formally declared the forum open.
From economists, to immunologists, a wide spectrum of esteemed lecturers and experts shared their knowledge with the young participants.
Professor Kenneth Ramchand in the first plenary session of the Forum explored the issue of “Working and Living a Career”. He asked participants to consider where a job and a career fit into the larger design of life. These A-Level students were reminded of the fact that pursuing a degree does not automatically lead to a career but should be looked at as an opportunity for enlightenment and a means of developing one’s own sense of discovery. On Wednesday 06th, Mr. Dennis Pantin offered an economic viewpoint, as he spoke on “The Distribution of Wealth and the Effects on the Environment”. Mr. Pantin explored the impact of industries like tourism on the environment, as well as the broader link between the environment and socio-economic development. Another very thought provoking lecture/discussion was presented by Mr. Kellman Gomez-Adams, titled “Pills, Thrills and Supermen”. Mr. Gomez-Adams dealt with drug dependencies and outlined the effects of some of the major types of drugs, including alcohol, tobacco and cannabis. Professor Julian Duncan spoke on the very topical issue of genetically modified organisms. Professor Duncan delved into the question of genetic engineering and whether in fact it could be managed.
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Dr. Eric Jolly speaks to the appreciative CYSF audience |
Mrs. Camille Selvon-Abraham held both an entertaining and engaging session on Computer Creativity and Animation, while Mrs. Vitra Bahadoorsingh aroused the audience’s curiosity about Forensic Science with an absorbing lecture entitled “Hello, who have we here?” Reverend Don Hamilton dared to “enter the matrix” in a lecture/discussion on “The Philosophy of the Matrix”. Dr. Jeffrey Edwards of the Medical Research Foundation spoke on a subject of widespread interest, “Sexually Transmitted Infections and You”. Dr. Eric Jolly, an internationally acclaimed science educator/researcher, recounted his life experiences, showing the impact Science and Technology has had on his personal development. He challenged the group to think about the “Irony of Higher Science Education”.
One of the new areas introduced in this second instalment of the Caribbean Youth Science Forum, was the debate. Three very current topics were divided among the participating schools and country teams at the Forum. The topics dealt with (1) compensating countries for genetic materials removed from their respective ecosystems; (2) biotechnology and its possible impact on global hunger; and (3) the effect of the spread of pandemic diseases on Tourism in the Caribbean. The debates were exciting and afforded participants the opportunity to express themselves, as they challenged the positions of opposing speakers. One delegate commented that she was so invigorated by the debates that she “would not have missed them for the world”.
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Angostura |
There were also a number of fascinating field trips. Participants learnt about the intriguing history of Angostura, as well as the science behind processes such as fermentation and distillation. At the Forensic Science Centre, participants were privy to the sections of the Centre that dealt with counterfeit currency, fire arms, toxicology, pathology and chemistry and biology. At the National Gas Company of Trinidad & Tobago and Petrotrin, participants got a taste of the inner workings of the energy sector.
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Wild Fowl Trust |
At the Asa Wright Nature Centre and the Wild Fowl Trust, the youngsters were introduced to the diversity of our nation’s flora and fauna. Other tours included visits to the Vehicle Maintenance Corporation of Trinidad & Tobago, the Chaguaramas Military Museum and the Sugar Cane Feeds Centre.
During the course of the week, there were two special sessions in the evening dedicated to “Socialising with Scientists”. Participants found the scientists quite affable. During this time, local and international scientists, who included Dr. Shirin Haque-Copilah (Physics & Astronomy), Dr. Margaret Bernard (Computer Science & Mathematics), Dr. Eric Jolly (Science Education and Research), Drs. David Picou and Zalika Ali (Medicine) were invited to share their experiences with the students. “Mind opening” were the words used by one student to describe this activity, as another appreciatively proclaimed that “the opportunity to interact with such accomplished scientists would never be forgotten”.
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At the cinema |
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At the National Science Centre |
Lectures, debates, field trips and meeting famous scientists, seem like quite a mouthful! Yet these weren’t the only ingredients in the successful CYSF recipe. The Forum’s entertainment package was just as explosive as the other components. This included visits to the cinema, the beach and a morning of shopping. There was a also a special visit to the National Science Centre, during which delegates were treated to the various activities that the Centre has to offer, including interactive exhibits, science demonstrations, Lego MINDSTORMS™, planetarium shows and telescope viewing.
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Caribbean Night |
Possibly the most enjoyable aspect on the entertainment agenda, also held at the National Science Centre, was the Caribbean Night, which also served as the forum’s grand finale. On this night participants in their country or school teams displayed their talents and executed a fantastic show. Fun was indeed the name of the game on Caribbean night from a spicy piece from the Grenadian contingent to a unique twist on some of Tobago’s traditions, the teams outdid themselves. The audience was captivated. What a Show! What A Finale!
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“I hope that the forum becomes an integrated part of the Lower VI school year …”
“It provided opportunities for lifetime friendships and relationships with participants of all creeds and races”
“This programme shows how much people still care about youngsters and their future…”
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