Antigua’s Multipurpose Cultural Centre became a hub of youthful environmental innovation on March 24th as JCI Antigua hosted its fifth annual Recycle and Create Competition in honor of National Recycling Day. The event showcased exceptional creativity from over 28 participants representing multiple schools across the island, who transformed discarded materials into purposeful artworks and functional creations.
JCI Antigua President Collet Gordon addressed the gathering with enthusiastic praise for the competitors, noting their demonstrated commitment to sustainable practices. ‘The visionary concepts and executed projects displayed here today confirm that our younger generation recognizes their environmental responsibility and possesses the willingness to champion meaningful change,’ Gordon stated. ‘By converting waste materials into valuable creations, these students are fundamentally reshaping perspectives on consumption patterns, conservation ethics, and community engagement.’
The competition has established itself as a significant platform for promoting environmental consciousness among youth while encouraging creative problem-solving. This year’s award recipients included: Shemarie Williams from Pares Primary School (1st Place), Tareas Joseph representing Liberta Primary School (2nd Place), and K’Nizia Thomas of Old Road Primary School (3rd Place).
JCI Antigua extended gratitude to the Ministry of Education, sponsoring organizations, collaborative partners, supporting entities, participating educational institutions, and all contributors who facilitated the event’s success. Through initiatives like the Recycle and Create Competition, the organization reaffirms its dedication to empowering Antigua and Barbuda’s youth, cultivating innovation, and advancing environmental stewardship throughout the community.