Three schools, St Rose’s High, Abram Zuil Secondary and St Stanislaus College, out of seven, have qualified for the opportunity to enter the Mousetrap Car Grand Prix international competition held annually in the Principality of Monaco. The second leg of the local competition concluded on April 19 at the Everest Cricket Ground.
According to a press release from SBM Offshore Guyana, the three categories open for participation were: Acceleration – assessing the shortest time travelled to a 10-metre line by a vehicle; Endurance – measuring the furthest possible distance travelled; and Innovation and Creativity – evaluating the most creative, unique race car. The three schools all copped first place in the three categories: St Rose’s High (Acceleration), Abram Zuil Secondary (Endurance) and St Stanislaus College (Innovation and Creativity).
Each school received cash prizes to develop their STEM clubs or science laboratories. The SBM release stated that the schools that placed first, second and third in each category are entered for consideration in the international competition in Monaco. If successful, the winning team will compete for a chance to represent Guyana in Monaco. The school that wins the international competition will receive tickets to watch the Historic Grand Prix from a prime location (either on the circuit or in the prestigious Tunnel Riva), and an expense-paid trip to Monaco for one week.
The SBM Offshore Guyana release said that Deputy Chief Education Officer – Technical at the Ministry of Education Dr Ritesh Tularam reinforced the importance of collaboration in promoting awareness of the usefulness of Science and Technology. He was quoted as saying, “The Ministry of Education carefully recognises the committed collaboration with SBM Offshore Guyana in promoting and building the awareness and appreciation among our secondary school students of the fundamental importance that Science and Technology can play in solving real-life problems.” The release said Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr underscored the pivotal role of innovation and being open to global ideas to the country’s development trajectory. The release quoted Local Content Officer at SBM Offshore Guyana Garri Fraser as saying, “Beyond being a mere race, this competition encourages our students to demonstrate their critical thinking abilities, teamwork, and adaptability. It challenges them to push the boundaries of their imagination and showcases their incredible potential to the world.” According to the release, General Manager of SBM Offshore Guyana Martin Cheong advocated for the continued nurturing of the next generation. “Together, we can create a future where creativity knows no bounds, where innovation thrives, and where every dream has the opportunity to become a reality,” he was quoted as saying.
The Mousetrap Grand Prix was created by Marco Casiraghi under the High Patronage of His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco, and is hosted by SBM Offshore Guyana with support from the Ministry of Education. Previous winner, Raphel Persaud of St Stanislaus College shared his experience travelling to Monaco with this year’s competitors and encouraged them to seize the opportunity. The other participating schools were Diamond Secondary, Friendship Secondary, Johanna Cecelia Secondary and West Demerara Secondary.
