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Minister of Commerce and Trade, Senator Haynesley Benn

If this country is to become a bigger player in the science and technology (S&T) arena, then the foundation must first be laid at the primary level.

This was underscored by Minister of Commerce and Trade, Senator Haynesley Benn, who was speaking this morning at the second Preliminary Rounds of the National Council for Science and Technology’s (NCST) Schools’ Science Lecture Series and Debating Competition at the Grand Salle, Tom Adams Financial Centre.

He said: "The importance of S&T education in our primary schools cannot be understated since it serves as the incubator and nursery for the next generation of Barbadians.

??"But we recognise that much more needs to be done if we are to be part of this new world order…[and] if we are to become a bigger player in the scheme of things."

According to him, programmes such as the Schools Science Lecture Series and Debating Competition go a long way in helping Barbadian students get a better grasp of and appreciation for S&T.

"This multi-sectoral, multifaceted approach by the NCST in disseminating S&T information and encouraging participation in science based activities is a direct reflection of the policy of the government of Barbados and a sure sign this government agency is fulfilling its mandate as outlined," Senator Benn noted.

While praising the NCST for devising and implementing numerous programmes, such as the SciTechXpo and the National Innovation Competition, the Minister also invited private sector agencies, especially those with a genesis in S&T and other entities, to get on board and create a new culture of science and technology in Barbados.

"The role of science and technology in the daily life of any individual is simply phenomenal…many countries worldwide have long recognised the importance of science and technology in their development and in the quality of the daily lives of their citizens.?? However, Barbados is a developing country with limited resources and we need to find a way to take science and technology to the next level," Senator Benn emphasised.

Harrison College won the second preliminary round by default, when the Seventh Day Adventist School failed to compete.??

tblackman@barbados.gov.bb

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