Bennett

Hyacinth Bennett, founder and president of the Hydel Group of Schools, says the country needs to appreciate the value of renewable energy if it wants to take itself out of the financial bind it is in.

Bennett said that with global warming and other environmental problems, it is prudent for renewable energy to be an active part of our lifestyle. She said it could start at a minuscule level, then expand commercially.

Could save millions

"In Jamaica, we have not fully appreciated how much benefit can be derived through the generation of power using sun, wind and water. This is able to save us millions of dollars as consumers," Bennett said after the launch of a renewable energy competition at the school.

Bennett told The Gleaner that the competition, which is being done between teachers and students of the institution, will end in June this year.

The Scientific Research Council (SRC) will decide the winner.

The competitors have been selected through presentations using all three elements of possible renewable energy sources.

Clive Mullings, minister of energy, also gave his views on the project.

He declared the competition open and praised the vision of the school's president, saying the project was one for the future.

Hawthorne Watson, manager of information services at the SRC, said that the effort of the school was endorsed by the SRC.

A great step

"For some time now we have been looking for types of endeavours which can be patented. More power to those who conceptualised this effort. It is a great step where renewable energy is concerned," he said.

Several of the participants said they were keeping their plans close to their chests until the day of the final.

rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com