Solar Head of State (SHOS) and the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) are pleased to announce the launch of the Guyana Solar Challenge – a national competition to engage and educate youth nationwide about the benefits of renewable energy. Following the success of last year’s Jamaica Solar Challenge, SHOS is again partnering with a local chapter of CYEN to manage publicity and engagement related to the Solar Challenge.
The Guyana Solar Challenge is open to young people between 12 and 26 years of age. Competitors are asked to harness their creative energies (in a form such as a song/video, art installation, performance piece, viral meme, sculpture) towards raising awareness about renewable energy, specifically its potential to deliver long-term economic benefits, reduce harmful environmental impacts, and increase energy security and independence for Guyana. Winning projects will demonstrate creativity and an ability to educate the public about the specific benefits of solar energy for Guyana.
Representatives from CYEN’s local Guyana chapter organized and managed the launch ceremony, which was held on Monday, 1 April 2019 at Cerulean Inc on Mandela Avenue in Georgetown. The launch ceremony was attended by students of the Government Technical Institute and Global Technology.
Ms. Sandra Britton, Renewable Energy Liaison at the Department of Environment, was present and remarked: “I am really happy that young persons are now taking the initiative to share the concept of renewable energy and to promote it as Guyana transitions to a green economy. We have developed the Green State Development Strategy, which will be rolled out shortly, and within the strategy it is envisioned that Guyana will try to move towards 100% renewable energy by 2040.”
Representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme were also in attendance. Afterwards, a video overview of the Jamaica Solar Challenge - whose success the Solar Challenge partners are hoping to replicate in Guyana - was played for the audience.
CYEN in Guyana shared live video of the proceedings via Instagram – they will continue to drive participation in the Guyana Solar Challenge via social media, as well as through their on-the-ground community networks and engagements with schools, tertiary education institutions, youth groups, and other NGOs.
The first prize of GY$100,000 has been sponsored by MPC Renewable Energies GmbH, an international asset and investment management company. Second prize of a GY$15,000 voucher was sponsored by The Department of Environment which falls under the Ministry of the Presidency. The deadline to submit entries for the Guyana Solar Challenge is July 1st 2019.
For more information please see: www.solarheadofstate.org/guyanasolarchallenge
