GRENLEC LAUNCHED SAFETY COMPETITION

The Grenada Electricity Services Limited (GRENLEC) is giving primary school students on the island an opportunity to express themselves through art, about the dangers of electricity and ways in which they can practice electrical safety.

The company launched its third Primary Schools Electrical Safety Poster Competition, at a ceremony held at its Halifax Street headquarters last Friday.

To participate in the competition, students would have to research the causes of electrical accidents, under specific subject matter and design a poster to help in the prevention of these accidents.

General Manager of GRENLEC Vernon Lawrence sees the competition as the company's commitment not only to electrical safety but safety in general. He noted that the youngsters will not only learn about electrical safety, but they will also gain an opportunity, through research on the various topics, to pass on their knowledge to their parents and other adults they are in contact with.

The GRENLEC boss disclosed that the competition targets safety around electrical equipment and/or outlets, safety around electrical lines, safety with electrical equipment and water and safety with kite flying. Lawrence admitted that everyone, to adhere to rules involving electrical safety, could do more.

However he believes that activities like these, which give constant reminders on the dangers electricity poses, must continue. Education Minister Augustine John, who was present at the launch described the initiative as sound and congratulated GRENLEC for coming up with the idea. He said these kinds of activities are worthwhile in light of the number of electrical appliances available to people for use presently.

Minister John believes that there should be some form of awareness by users not only of the need and use of those appliances but the dangers they present as well. According to the Education Minister, one cannot deny the fact that quiet a number accidents involving electricity do occur.

However he is of the hope that students will gain more knowledge as to how they can deal with electricity, and its use, with the aim of passing on what they have learnt to others. The company is appealing to all primary schools in the tri-island state, to participate since there are a number of prizes to be won.

Students will have to research the causes of electrical accidents under specific subject areas and then design a poster to help in the prevention of accidents. Entries may be submitted in categories 5-8 and 9-11 years. 

First place winners will receive $EC1000.00, second place winners $EC750.00, third EC $500.00,fourth EC$250.00 and fifth EC$125.00 all worth of school supplies. Schools with the most entries will get a computer and printer.

Last year St. Andrew's RC School emerged winners in the 5-8 years category while St. Andrew's Methodist won in the 9-11age groups. All participating entries must reach the company's Halifax Street office by Friday October 24th.