CHEMICAL AWARENESS WEEK – SCHOOL TOURS

Chemical Awareness Week 2023, (previously called Pesticide Awareness Week) was held from Monday 16^th to Friday 20^th October bearing the theme “Safe Use and Management of Chemicals is our collective responsibility”.  After experiencing a break due to the COVID19 Pandemic, the awareness reconvened last year but on a smaller scale. This year’s observance has been revamped to the previous status with a week full of events and activities.

On Thursday 19^th October, Senator Kiz Johnson, Dr. Linroy Christian and Dr. Nneka Hull-James (both members of the Pesticide and Toxic Chemical Board) along with Mr. Eden Bird, Mr. Jermel Charles and Miss Jahrika Samuel, technicians from the MOA Analytical Services department visited the Jennings Secondary School and the Antigua Girls High School.

“General chemical management and safe use: how can the youth be involved” was the theme for the schools’ presentation since the purpose of these tours was to educate the agricultural science and general science students on the proper handling of pesticides and toxic chemicals.

In addition to power point presentations, general demonstrations and explanations of the X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) and the Raman Spectrometer equipment were done. The XRF is a surface analysis system using x-ray photoelectronic spectroscopy technique which identifies the elements found in various substances. The Raman spectrometer utilizes lasers to identify molecules in various substances.

The first presentation was done by the doctors, who illustrated mainly the dos and don’ts pertaining to handling chemicals while Miss Samuel and Mr. Charles presented from a lab aspect and the use of the equipment.

The most engaging and interactive student for Jennings Secondary School was Mr. Kiefer Moe a form two student who was a very enthusiastic participant therefore for his keen interest he was granted a tour of the analytical lab and the possibility of an internship.

At the Antigua Girls High School, though a smaller group, they posed lots of questions and were very interactive.  The most outstanding student was Miss Kaleigh Rodgers, a third form student and she was also selected by the Chemistry teacher to give the vote of thanks. The students were invited to tour the Department of Analytical Services Laboratory at Point Wharf given their enthusiasm to learn of the other laboratory equipment and analytical work undertaken.