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Antigua and Barbuda yesterday joined with the International Community to observe International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, under the theme, From Science to Global Action.
International Ozone Day is celebrated globally to recognize the work being done by stakeholders to include scientists, policy makers, multilateral agencies and technicians in the refrigeration and Air condition sectors.
In observance of the day, the National Ozone Unit in the Ministry of Trade held a ceremony at the Harrison Centre, Antigua and Barbuda School of Continuing Education (ABICE) for Refrigeration and Air Condition Students.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a scholarship to the lone female student, Kaydian Desouza, who is in her second-year programme at the Center. The scholarship covers the second-year tuition fee as well as the cost of her teaching tools for the programme.
In presenting the scholarship on behalf of the National Ozone Unit, Principal Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Trade Fiona Lewis noted that while the Refrigeration and Air Condition sector may still be heavily male-dominated, Desouza is an excellent example of how women can break barriers. The scholarship is in keeping with UN Environment focus on women in the Refrigeration and Air Condition Sector.
“The National Ozone Unit will continue to identify, encourage and expose women, who enter this sector, to every available opportunity that will enhance their career, the Ministry official said.
Also participating in the ceremony was Principal of ABICE, Arlene Weste, and former ABICE Refrigeration and Air Condition lecturer Pastor Ivor Charles, who gave words of encouragement to the students.
The National Ozone Officer in the Ministry of Trade, Charmaine Hackett, spoke to the significance of the day, the work being done in Antigua and Barbuda to protect and preserve the ozone layer and the environment generally. The Unit also launched a poster competition to focus attention on the importance of the Ozone Layer to human existence.
The phase-out of ozone depleting substances is at the heart of the work being done. While the Ozone Layer is being restored with the phase-out of these substances, there are others which have global warming effect and therefore affect climate change.
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