GUYANA is set to host its first ever International science exhibition from August 20- September 30, 2012 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue, according to coordinator of the exhibition Retired Colonel Lindon Ross from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Mr. Ross noted that the Exhibition will kick-off with an opening ceremony at the National Cultural Centre on August 20, 2012, which will include various speeches, along with cultural performances. The exhibition will be held from Monday to Sunday, running from 10:00 hrs to 21:00 hrs on weekdays, and 13:00 hrs – 20:00 hrs on weekends. The exhibits will be interactive, as children will be allowed to play with them, in an effort to understand how they work.
Also speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, was the Project Coordinator of the exhibition, Mr. Samarendra Kumar from India. He noted that the exhibition will include between 150 and 200 exhibits, which arrived in Guyana from Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, Sunday night. According to him, the exhibition will include models of the Taj Mahal, nuclear reactor, oil exploration rig, iron pillar, and several other artifacts. He said that exhibition showcases ancient and modern science and technology from India, and will include about 24 exhibits showing how science is fun and enjoyable. “It’s an inspiring exhibition for persons who are trying to move forward, as it’s a legacy of science in India, and in many areas of science and technology, India is now leading the world,” Mr. Kumar said.
A team of 10 persons, six of whom are already in Guyana, will be heading the demonstrations of the science and technology exhibits. Mr. Ross added that there will also be a team of about 78 volunteers from Guyana. These persons are from various institutions, such as Science teachers chosen by the Ministry of Education, as well as 10 persons from the Guyana Defence Force, who are currently in training. According to Mr. Ross, there will also be exhibits on display from Guyana, and Ms. Petal Jetoo from the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD) will be responsible for those. Institutions such as the University of Guyana’s Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), and the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) will be involved in this Exhibition. Also, during the course of this international exhibition, workshops will be held at the Walter Rodney Archives, and there will be a daily quiz for the children.
Mr. Ross noted that they “hope to expose Guyanese to the exhibition, so that they can have an understanding of how science evolved to where it is and to also showcase where Guyana is at this time” He also said, that he hopes that after experiencing science and technology in action, the kids would be motivated to develop their skills.