Capturing top honors at this year’s Guyana-Monaco Mousetrap Car Grand Prix Competition were returning champions Abram Zuil Secondary and St. Rose’s High, along with Marian Academy, capturing the third spot this year.
In its fourth year, the competition saw 16 secondary schools showcasing their STEM talents on February 26 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The event is hosted annually by SBM Offshore Guyana in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
SBM Offshore announced the winners of Thursday’s competition in a press release today (February 28).
In the Acceleration category, Abram Zuil Secondary took first place, followed by Linden Foundation Secondary in second and Dora Secondary in third. St. Rose’s High claimed first place in the Advanced category, with Abram Zuil Secondary in second and St. Stanislaus Secondary in third. For Innovation and Creativity, Marian Academy secured first place, St. Rose’s High placed second and Abram Zuil Secondary third.
Teams competed in three categories – Acceleration, Advanced and Innovation & Creativity – designing and racing mousetrap-powered cars for top honours and a chance to qualify for the international competition in Monaco.
The Guyana-Monaco Mousetrap Car Grand Prix serves as the local qualifier for the prestigious Monaco Mousetrap Car Grand Prix, held annually in the Principality of Monaco under the High Patronage of His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco. Selected teams from Guyana will have the opportunity to represent the country on the international stage.
The competition continues to grow in scale and impact, challenging students to apply Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) principles in a fun, competitive and hands-on environment.
Delivering remarks on Thursday, Country General Manager of SBM Offshore Guyana, Martin Cheong, encouraged students to see the competition as more than a race.
“Today is about more than speed or distance. It is about creativity, resilience and problem-solving. The same principles that power your mousetrap cars – precision, adjustment and innovation – are the same principles that drive progress in the real world. STEM continues to play a critical role in Guyana’s development, and each of you has the potential to be part of that future,” he stated.
Past winner Allex Harte shared his experience with this year’s participants, urging them to embrace the learning journey.
“I was drawn to this competition because it gave me the opportunity to apply what I was learning in school, especially in Physics, in a practical way,” he said.
Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Amerindian and Hinterland Development, Marti De Souza, reaffirmed the Ministry of Education’s commitment to expanding access to STEM opportunities nationwide. He stressed the importance of ensuring that students across all regions are exposed to platforms that nurture innovation and practical learning, and encouraged attendees to take part in future editions of the competition.
“I want to encourage you to make use of the opportunity, to take up the challenge,” De Souza said.
The first, second and third-place winners of each category will be entered for consideration in the international competition in Monaco and will receive laboratory equipment to enhance their schools’ science facilities. Teams selected to compete internationally will also have the opportunity to represent Guyana abroad.
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The initiative forms part of SBM Offshore Guyana’s commitment to education, youth development and investment in local content for sustainable national growth.
