Health Minister John Boyce was so impressed with the entries in a poster competition sponsored by the Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organisation, that he has promised to include the prize-winning art work in a gallery at the offices of the Ministry of Health.
The Health Minister praised the primary and secondary students for their clear understanding of the issues surrounding the theme and their articulation of possible solutions to the threats.
Speaking today at a prize-giving ceremony for the winners of the essay and poster competitions on the theme: Climate Change: The Human Health Impacts, Mr. Boyce??noted that there was increasing discussion on climate change in the international community, and a growing acceptance that it was not only associated with environmental issues but also with health issues.
He spoke of the need for Barbados to pay close attention to issues such as soil erosion and water scarcity, and he also addressed the students on the importance of keeping their communities clean and rodent-free.
Mr. Boyce said the time had come for an intensified programme of debushing, and he called on landowners to be responsible in ensuring that their lots were regularly cleaned.
While acknowledging that Government had a role to play in the national clean-up and would continue to do its part, he however stressed that in tough economic times, there would be limitations, and it was important for every Barbadian to play a role in this regard.
The primary section of the competition was dominated by entries from the George Lamming Primary School, which took all five prizes in the essay and poster competitions. The first prize winner in the essay competition was Tori Belle, with Jordan Alleyne placing second. In the poster competition, first prize went to Christopher Marshall with Jada Carrington, second and Michelle Small, third.
In the secondary school category, the brother and sister team of Tariq and Taja Mann from The St. Michael School took the first and third prizes respectively in the poster competition. Placing second was Cya Layne of Harrison College.??The students all received cash vouchers donated by the Art Hub.
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