Green Engineering subject timely for implementation of green economy in Guyana – Dr Roopnaraine

Georgetown, GINA, July 28, 2016

The Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) has added to its portfolio a Green Engineering subject, one of nine new generation subjects added to CAPE through the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) in 2016.

Thus far, tourism, financial services, physical education and sport, entrepreneurship, animation and game design, performing arts, and agricultural science have been added.

The subject has two units which students must embark on to successfully complete the syllabus; Introduction to Green Engineering and Application of Green Engineering and Principles.

Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, speaking at the launch of the new subject, at the Theatre Guild Playhouse, Georgetown, today, said that he welcomes the new subject, pointing out that it is a challenge that is accepted.

The Minister noted that low-lying states such as Guyana are vulnerable to rising sea levels which are a direct impact of global warming.

Minister Roopnaraine urged students to “apply the principles of green engineering as a new paradigm that allows for the incorporation of the concept of sustainability and the application of science and design solutions to problems created by conventional engineering.”

Bartica has been specifically identified as the first green town of Guyana. Hence, Minister Roopnaraine stated that “green engineering is therefore of immediate important application to Guyana. The offering of a course in green engineering is most timely from the standpoint of developing as required by Guyana for the implementation of a green economy.”

Subject Panel Member, Paulette Bynoe who gave an overview of the syllabus said that it was designed in such a way that ensures that students are not only able to recall what they learn, but also will be able to fully comprehend the studies they will undertake.

“This will allow students to really exercise their problem solving and critical thinking skills- very important for engineering- so it is not a case where a student will cram and pass the exam,” Bynoe explained.

The syllabus provides for lectures, research, laboratory experiments, debates, use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and case studies.

Guest speaker, Chief Electrification Officer, Horace Williams, said that the introduction of the new subject will encourage students to pursue a career in renewable energy. According to Williams, there is a small group of engineers and technicians, and firms operating in the renewable energy sector in Guyana.  “We need more renewable energy professionals to support our drive to adapt renewable energy technologies including wind, biomass hydropower and in some cases geothermal,” Williams stated.

The ultimate goal, according to Williams, is to minimise people’s activities on the environment, adding that it is necessary to promote green thinking.

The study of Green Engineering will enhance the quality of life for the present and future generations while providing the creation of new and innovative job opportunities