The second leg of the Guyana-Monaco Mousetrap Car Grand Prix was held on April 19 at the Everest Cricket Ground, with seven participating schools – Abram Zuil Secondary, Diamond Secondary, Friendship Secondary, Johanna Cecelia Secondary, St. Roses High, St. Stanislaus College and West Demerara Secondary.
The competition is the local qualifier to enter the Monaco Mousetrap Car Grand Prix, an international competition held annually in the Principality of Monaco. Created by Marco Casiraghi under the High Patronage of His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco, the competition aims to promote Science and Engineering to students in a fun, exciting way. Previous winner, Raphel Persaud of St. Stanislaus College shared his experience travelling to Monaco with this year’s competitors and encouraged them to seize the opportunity.
Dr. Ritesh Tularam, Deputy Chief Education Officer – Technical at the Ministry of Education, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education, reinforced the importance of collaboration in promoting awareness of the usefulness of Science and Technology. “The Ministry of Education carefully recognises the committed collaboration with SBM Offshore Guyana in promoting and building the awareness and appreciation among our secondary school students of the fundamental importance that Science and Technology can play in … solving of real-life problems.”
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Honourable Charles Ramson Jr underscored the pivotal role of innovation, expressing that aligning with the importance of innovation along with being open to global ideas are crucial to the country’s development trajectory.
Three categories were open for participation – Acceleration, which assessed the vehicle that travelled to a 10-meter line in the shortest time; Endurance, which measured the furthest possible distance travelled, and Innovation and Creativity, which evaluated the most creative, unique racecar. Copping the first prize for the Acceleration Category was a team from St. Rose’s High, with Abram Zuil Secondary placing first in the Endurance category and St. Stanislaus College copping the first place for Innovation and Creativity. The winning schools received cash prizes to develop their STEM clubs or Science laboratories.
The first, second and third-place winners of each category will be entered for consideration in the international competition in Monaco. If successful in gaining entry, the winning team from Guyana will compete for a chance to represent the country in Monaco. If a Guyanese school wins the international competition, they will receive tickets to watch the Historic Grand Prix from a prime location (either on the circuit or in the prestigious Tunnel Riva), and an expense-paid trip to Monaco for one week.
Garri Fraser, Local Content Officer at SBM Offshore Guyana highlighted that, “Beyond being a mere race, this competition encourages our students to demonstrate their critical thinking abilities, teamwork, and adaptability. It challenges them to push the boundaries of their imagination and showcases their incredible potential to the world.”
In closing, Martin Cheong, General Manager of SBM Offshore Guyana advocated for the continued nurturing of the next generation, positing, “Together, we can create a future where creativity knows no bounds, where innovation thrives, and where every dream has the opportunity to become a reality.”
The Guyana-Monaco Mousetrap Car Grand Prix is hosted by SBM Offshore Guyana with support from the Ministry of Education.
