THE Caribbean Youth Science Forum (CYSF) had its 11th annual function hosted by the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) in the twin island republic of Trinidad & Tobago last month.

This year marked Jamaica's sixth year of participation in the eight-day-long forum, which was aimed at engaging some of the brightest scientific minds in the Caribbean.

The Jamaican contingent comprised Keona Bailey of Westwood High, Jahnigh Clemmence of Knox College High, Franz Brown of Ardenne High, Jevon Henry of The Manning's School, Tarique Plummer of St Mary High, and John Powell of Munro College, who were chaperoned by Kerry-Ann Curtis of Scientific Research Council. In all, over 200 participants representing seven Caribbean islands attended the conference.

The programme was centred primarily around interactive lectures with renowned Caribbean professors and scientists who explored topics inclusive of the Big Bang Theory and The Human Genome Project.

In addition to daily lectures, the schedule included field trips, which saw us exploring in our quest of knowledge in science, technology and national development.

Of course, there were also breaks for karaoke sessions, parties and lyming. The organisers even hosted a Caribbean Night, where the participants had the opportunity to showcase their diverse cultures.

This night was particularly mind-bobbling as the diversity of the Caribbean people was on show, showcasing the myriad of races and cultures that brings to mind 'out of many, we are one'.

The programme was clinched with a Forum Olympics akin to that held in London and the participants had to work in six groups to demonstrate agility, strength, speed and above all co-ordination to be the victors.

All in all, the forum was a resounding success.

In addition to NIHERST, the Trinidad & Tobago Police Service and Government of Trinidad & Tobago for their sterling contributions, special gratitude must be extended to E-Learning Jamaica and Universal Access Fund for having sponsored the Jamaican team. The curtains are now down on this, the 11th year of CYSF.