GUYANA has secured first place in the first zonal round of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) 30th Anniversary Regional School Quiz.
The quiz was held at the Rudranauth Capildeo Learning Centre, University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago on May 5, 2004.
Four countries - Guyana Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago - contested the quiz.
Guyana emerged winner with 95 points while St. Vincent and the Grenadines placed second with 64 points.
Guyana's team comprised Nicolette Boatswain and Mariscia Charles of Bishop's High School, Seema Rahim of Queen's College and Jamal La Rose of St. Joseph's High School.
La Rose was adjudged the best player in the competition.
The students were accompanied by St. Joseph's High School head teacher Ingrid Fung.
Bonita Hunter, Senior Education Officer (Arts), said yesterday the idea was born through CARICOM'S desire to have children participate and express themselves in four areas based on the CARICOM handbook, "History, Geography and Social Studies," which includes sports and culture.
According to a CARICOM press release, the quiz aims at increasing the knowledge students on the Caribbean and the regional integration movement.
The second zonal round will be held in Jamaica this week. Anguilla. Belize, Dominica, Jamaica, Montserrat and St. Kitts and Nevis will compete in this round.
The semi-finals and finals will be held in Guyana next month.
Ms. Hunter said the students were selected on recommendation by the head teachers of their schools. They had to possess good public speaking ability and inter-personal communication skills.
The students reported that their success was the result of team spirit and preparation.
Prior to their departure, they underwent several mock contests. This exercise will continue during the countdown to the semi-finals.
Last year, when Guyana participated in CARICOM's Art Competition, it copped the first prize in the secondary category.