Nine talented students from various schools across Guyana emerged as winners in the inaugural essay competition organised by the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, with exclusive sponsorship from One Communications. Among the prestigious prizes awarded was a US$10,000 scholarship, presented during the grand opening ceremony of the 2025 edition of the conference.
The competition, which aimed to inspire young minds to engage with Guyana’s energy future, saw remarkable entries from students across three categories: Forms One and Two, Forms Three and Four, and Forms Five and Six. The winners in each category received cash prizes, with the first-place winners also receiving additional awards such as iPads and cellular phones.
In Category One (Forms One and Two), the top honor went to Muzamil Mohamed of Bishops’ High School, followed by Xavi Bishop from Marian Academy in second place, and Roopechand Doonwah from Christ Church Secondary School in third.
In Category Two (Forms Three and Four), Michael Jardine from West Demerara Secondary School took first place, Anaiya Benjamin from Queen’s College secured second, and Lennicea Waldron from Brickdam Secondary School earned third.
The first-place winner of Category Three (Forms Five and Six) was Madelene Suharsono from St. Rose’s High School, while Shekinah Yorrick of Bishops’ High School took second, and Angelia Persaud from Queen’s College rounded out the top three in third.
Madelene Suharsono, the winner of Category Three, was awarded the grand prize of a US$10,000 scholarship. Suharsono’s essay, which explored how the discovery of oil reserves has transformed Guyana’s economy and the potential long-term benefits and challenges, resonated with judges. The sixth-form law student expressed her excitement, stating, “Winning the scholarship will help me pursue my law studies overseas, and this competition has really set the foundation for my academic journey. I am now considering studying international or environmental law.”
Muzamil Mohamed, the Category One winner, focused on Guyana’s potential as a top tourism destination in his essay, while Michael Jardine from Category Two discussed key investments necessary to protect Guyana’s economy in the face of climate change.
The essay competition, which attracted 166 entries from 49 schools nationwide, was designed to inspire youth to explore the energy sector’s impact on Guyana’s future. The initiative, endorsed by the Ministry of Education, received an overwhelmingly positive response from young participants eager to engage in discussions about sustainable development.
Anthony Whyte, Chairman of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, expressed his excitement about the competition’s success. “Since the inception of our conference in 2022, we have made it a priority to involve our youth. This essay competition further builds on that commitment, and I am thrilled to see so many insightful contributions from our students.”
Kiana Wilburg, CEO of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, congratulated all winners and participants, emphasizing the importance of providing platforms for youth to share their ideas with policy leaders and the broader public.
One Communications, the exclusive sponsor of the competition, also voiced their support for the initiative. Ian Lewis, Marketing Director at One Communications, expressed, “We are honored to support initiatives that empower and educate the next generation of leaders. Congratulations to all the winners and participants.”
As Guyana’s energy landscape continues to evolve, competitions like these are crucial in fostering awareness, motivating youth participation, and encouraging contributions to the national dialogue on sustainable development.
