First-place winner Devanjali Ramkellawan receives her trophy from Prime Minister Mark Phillips
The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) held an award ceremony for the winners of its recently concluded Art Competition on Saturday evening at the Herdmanston Lodge. The competition was held under the theme “My Vision for a Smart City/Town in Guyana in the Year 2040” and aimed at creating interest among young people about a sustainable energy future for the country.
The competition was launched in March 2020 and a total of forty-three (43) entries were received from students across Guyana. In addition to the first, second and third place entries, 10 additional pieces were selected for inclusion in the design of the Agency’s 2021 calendar.
Head of the Energy and Energy Statistics Division-GEA Shevon Wood stated that the intention of the agency is to encourage dialogue about alternative energy, energy conservation and efficiency and promote the principles of sustainable development.
She indicated that she was pleased with the number of entries received during the competition and was impressed with the level of creativity.
She also stated that the GEA will continue to promote such activities among youths as it continues to utilise various platforms to bring awareness to energy and energy-related issues. Further, she added that the GEA plans to launch another art competition in 2021 and as such encouraged more participation.
The winners of the GEA art competition
Visual Arts Coordinator, Unit of Allied Arts, Ministry of Education, Regina Torrington congratulated the participants while adding that the competition played an integral role in the development of confidence and nurturing talents in students.
She also stated that the participants who were able to present a modern image of the town or city of choice, include elements of renewable energy and show clearly how these would benefit the town or city were selected as finalists.
In addition, Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips congratulated the awardees for participating in the competition and encouraged the attendees to utilise energy in a smart and efficient manner.
Nevertheless, copping the first-place prize was Devanjali Ramkellawan of Abram Zuil Secondary School while the second-place prize was awarded to Ntini August and Shakira Rahaman copped the third prize.
The ten others whose paintings were selected were Emille Outram, Maitri Vathada, Nerissa August, Arantxa English, Teanna Mentore, Michael Hing, Lathica Kandavel, Ema Gangadin, Kathryn Hamilton, and Annie Joseph.
Ramkellawan after receiving her trophy and monetary award stated that the competition was a challenging but rewarding experience.
“It was a good opportunity for the participants to express their views for the future.”
At the event, the “Green My Life” Booklet was also launched and is available for download on GEA’s website: www.gea.gov.gy.
