Registered non-governmental organisation (NGO) Recover Guyana has successfully launched its SHOUT 3.0 competition, Guyana’s leading National Environmental Speech Competition. The event is scheduled to take place on June 5, 2025, in observance of World Environment Day.
Aimed at secondary students in Grades 9 and 10 nationwide, this competition will provide students with the opportunity to propose and implement sustainable environmental projects within their schools.
Now in its third year, SHOUT 3.0, implemented by Recover Guyana, has grown into a nationally recognised platform that inspires youths to take action and drive sustainable change across Guyana.
This year, the SHOUT competition will reward participants with $4 million in cash and prizes, reflecting the growing recognition and impact of this platform.
The top secondary school will receive a cash grant of $1 million towards an environmental advancement project and one year of free fibre internet, compliments of One Communication. The winning teacher will also enjoy a trip to Kaieteur Falls. The first, second, and third-place winners will each receive prizes, including green awards, cash prizes, laptops, and one year of free fibre internet service from One Communication.
Recover Guyana President, Dr Dave Lalltoo (centre), Assistant Chief Education officer Sherwin Blackman (third from left), and Lasawhna Prescott, Exxon Mobil Community Relations Advisor (second from left), among others
This year’s SHOUT will unfold over four exciting phases, beginning with a one-minute video submission, giving applicants the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and passion for environmental protection.
Students are required to deliver speeches to secure their spot among the top three finalists. An expert selection panel will implement a fair and transparent process to evaluate the participants’ knowledge, proposed environmental solutions, and presentation skills to determine the finalists of SHOUT 3.0.
Speaking during the event, Founder and President of Recover Guyana, Dr Dave Lalltoo, stated that this initiative will promote sustainability, while empowering the next generation of environmental leaders.
“The greenest event and World Environment Day in Guyana will definitely be a day to remember, showcasing the creativity, passion, and dedication of Guyana’s future leaders. The production set will bring technology and environmental sustainability to its stage and broadcast it live on the Guyana Learning Channel platform,” he stated.
Dr Dave Lalltoo, Recover Guyana President and Lasawhna Prescott, Community Relations Advisor (Exxon Mobil)
He added, “As we continue to inspire and empower the next generation of environmental leaders, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed and supported this initiative—our sponsors, partners, educators, and the incredible young minds who are driving this change.”
Additionally, he mentioned that, in addition to the core committee, they are thrilled to have 20 volunteers joining the live production, bringing even more vibrancy and support to ensure every detail is executed flawlessly.
Also sharing remarks was Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) Sherwin Blackman, who stated that this initiative gives the Ministry of Education a vast array of opportunities to demonstrate its commitment to the environment.
“It gives us a great opportunity to show that the Ministry of Education is also serious about its environment. It helps us identify young persons who can become champions in environmental advocacy. It also helps bring out creativity in our young people—a thought that began as an idea but is now serving an entire community of students,” he said.
He added, “It definitely gives them a chance to showcase their creativity, and this is where the Ministry of Education continues to advocate. We aim to create dynamic students, and as you’ve seen over the previous years, while there is always a winner, I am certain that in each idea presented, there was some level of creativity—an idea that could contribute to meaningful change.”
He further emphasised the larger purpose of this initiative, stating, “I think the bigger part of what this adds to the programme is advocacy. Many times, people are not confident enough to use their voices to speak for change. We often fail to recognise how important our voices are and how we can use them to contribute to possible change.”
