Caribbean Youth Science Forum (CYSF) 2004

The third Caribbean Youth Science Forum was held from August 01st to 08th 2004 at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. Through the Forum, NIHERST aims to leave an indelible mark on the lives of the young participants by encouraging the pursuit of careers in Science and Technology (S&T), as well as providing a fertile environment in which they can discuss important scientific issues and interact with their peers, as well as with regional and international scientists. One student commented that “the forum allowed for the exploration of character, …exploration of scientific opportunities and helped to develop new friendships, interests, creativity as well as appreciation for science and technology”, a statement which encapsulates some the forum’s objectives.

In 2004, over one hundred (100) students from Antigua, the Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago all came together in this wonderful mélange of lectures, project presentations, field trips and social activities.

Mr. Mark Loquan, President of YARA Trinidad Limited opened the week’s activities with a keynote address titled “Technology – A Ball You Have To Play”, which addressed the need for technology in today’s world. Mr. Loquan highlighted the fact that technology is “a strategic tool that can…accelerate the acquisition of skills or knowledge” and that it permeates all aspects of life. Professor Dyer Narinesingh, Dean of the UWI Faculty of Science and Agriculture and the Chairman of the National Science Centre Advisory Committee, formally declared the forum open, emphasising to the young persons present, the importance of the one week journey on which they were about to embark.

From business leaders to animators to immunologists, a wide spectrum of esteemed lecturers and experts shared their knowledge with the young participants. Professor Kenneth Ramchand delivered the first lecture session, exploring the issue of “Working and Living a Career”. He examined the various issues that had to be considered before one decides along which career path to tread. Mr. Langston Roach, owner and manager of Lanher Products, offered a business perspective in his lecture “How does the Study of Science equip you to make a contribution to Business”. He emphasised to students that “the economic development of the Caribbean … is dependent on the adaptation and utilisation of existing and emerging scientific knowledge and technologies…to spawn industries and businesses that add value and create employment”.

On Wednesday 04th August, Ms. Camille Grant of the Forensic Laboratory aroused the audience’s curiosity about Forensic Science with an absorbing lecture entitled “Hello, who have we here?” Mrs. Camille Selvon Abraham held both an entertaining and engaging session on Computer Creativity and Animation, while Mr. Kelman Gomez Adams delivered a very thought provoking lecture/discussion titled, “Blood Donation: What? What For? and How?” Dr. Nigel Austin spoke on the very topical issue of genetically modified foods. Two visiting students of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) conducted an informative session on Robotics. Representatives of the Medical Research Foundation, Mrs. Avion Jones and Mr. Arnim Hargreaves spoke on a subject of widespread interest, “Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and You”, giving a very graphic presentation on the causes and effects of these infections.

Related Links Overview CYSF 2008 CYSF 2007 CYSF 2006 CYSF 2005 CYSF 2004 CYSF 2003

For the Project Presentations, participants were given a choice from a wide range of topics. Topics from the CAPE syllabus, ranging from Diagnostic Medicine and Biotechnology, Geostationary Satellites and Energy Conservation to Musical Instruments used in the Caribbean were presented to participants well in advance of the start of the Forum. Teams were asked to identify a need or problem associated with the topic, and to design and develop an "innovention" that would satisfy the need or solve the problem. The students embraced the challenge presented to them and came equipped with their months of research. While some groups did not give a clear depiction of their problem solving mechanism or “innovention”, the quality of thought and creativity exhibited by those groups that hit the proverbial “nail on the head”, was extraordinary.

In addition to lectures and project presentations, there were also a number of educational field trips. 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 Asa Wright Nature Centre and the Wild Fowl Trust, the youngsters were introduced to the variety of our nation’s flora and fauna. Other trips included tours of the National Gas Company of Trinidad & Tobago and the Sugar Cane Feeds Centre.

During the week of the forum, one evening was dedicated to “Socialising with Scientists”, where as the name suggests, scientists were invited to share some of their own experiences with the students. “They were very inspirational”, “An opportunity like this doesn’t come everyday” were the words used by two participants in describing their own experiences in the socialising session. Scientists included Dr. Bibi Ali, Dr. Anthony Achong, Dr. Avril Siung Chang, Dr. Gerald Bernard, Dr. Wayne Labastide and Dr. Joseph Ryan.

We all know how the saying goes “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. Well there was certainly no absence of “play” on the CYSF programme since the forum’s entertainment package was just as explosive as the other components. This included visits to the cinema, a hike to Three Pools in Blanchisseuse, planetarium shows and a morning of shopping.

Possibly the most enjoyable aspect of the entertainment package was the Caribbean Night, which also served as the forum’s grand finale. On this night, participants in their country or school teams, even inter-school teams, displayed their talents and executed a fantastic show. The level of talent exhibited was astounding. Singing, dancing and drama of the highest quality were all on show. The energy and vitality exhibited by the participants, the coming together to form a melting pot of different cultures, ideas, skills and talents was the perfect way to end the forum.

“It was a truly remarkable experience. The everlasting friendships, memories, timeless knowledge, … experiences and …wisdom have greatly affected my life positively”