The Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo (GECSCE) has launched its first-ever essay competition, open to Guyanese students across the country. Through this competition, secondary school students get to share ideas on sustainability, development, and the challenges and opportunities presented by Guyana’s oil and gas resources.
Kiana Wilburg, Chief Executive Officer of GECSCE, said “Our youths are not only critical thinkers, but they can help us see solutions through a fresh and innovative lens. A panoramic understanding and discussion on how to best address the most pressing issues of our time, requires that our young people have a seat at the table.”
Wilburg, who is touring schools in Georgetown, has visited St. Roses High School, St. Stanislaus College, St. John’s College, Queen’s College, St. Joseph’s High School, and Richard Ishmael Secondary School. She said the response from students has been heartwarming.
The essay competition is divided into three categories. The first category targets students in Forms 1 and 2, the second is for students in Forms 3 and 4, and the third is for Forms 5 and 6. Participants will explore topics such as the sustainable use of Guyana’s oil revenues, the importance of community engagement in energy projects, and the role of young people in driving innovation and positive change in the energy sector. Other topics focus on climate change resilience, the transformation of Guyana’s economy through oil discoveries, and strategies for building a better future for the country.
The essay competition offers substantial prizes for each category. First-place winners in all categories will receive US$1,000, while second-place winners will be awarded US$500 and an iPad, and third-place winners will receive US$250 and a cellular phone. Additionally, the first-place winner in Category 3 will receive a US$10,000 scholarship, providing significant financial support for their education. Essays must be submitted by December 31, 2024, and winners will be awarded their prizes on February 18, 2025, during the opening day of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo.
The purpose of the competition is to encourage students to critically engage with the energy sector and its impact on Guyana’s development. It is an opportunity for young people to voice their ideas on how the country can harness its resources sustainably, while also fostering their skills in research and written communication.
