Caribbean Students shine in 2025–2026 YES Competition with innovative environmental solutions

Macmillan Education Caribbean has released the winners of the 2025–2026 Young Environmental Scientists (YES) Competition, showcasing the ingenuity, creativity and analytical skills of students throughout the region.

Held annually, the YES Competition unites primary and secondary school participants from across the Caribbean. Students are tasked with identifying urgent environmental challenges within their communities and developing practical, science-driven responses.

Based on a press release from the organization, the programme continues to promote environmental responsibility, collaboration and critical thinking among young people.

Macmillan Education reports that in the primary division, the Eco-Hero Team from Tunapuna Presbyterian Primary School in Trinidad and Tobago captured first place. The SVG Wildlife Warriors of Calliaqua Anglican Primary School in St Vincent and the Grenadines secured second, while third place went to the Sea to Structure Solutionists of Grand Roy Government School in Grenada.

According to the group, judges were particularly impressed by the Eco-Hero Team’s initiative targeting the reduction of single-use plastics within their school.

Their project encouraged students to carry and reuse personal utensils instead of depending on disposable plastic spoons.

The effort was reinforced through awareness drives, poster contests and data collection to track behavioral changes.

The project highlighted how small, practical steps can produce significant environmental benefits within school communities.

At the secondary level, Queen’s College in Guyana claimed the top prize with its team, ResistRx.

Five Rivers Secondary School in Trinidad and Tobago earned both second and third place through the GASH – Giant African Snail Hunters Association and the Wes4G 4-H Club.

ResistRx stood out for its investigation into the improper disposal of antibiotics and the resulting environmental impact, says Macmillan.

The team examined how antibiotic residues enter ecosystems—particularly through household waste and small-scale agricultural practices—and contribute to antimicrobial resistance in soil.

Their recommendations included establishing community disposal bins, introducing composting systems for farmers and launching a public awareness campaign.

A pilot study conducted by the group indicated that although knowledge of the issue was limited, many community members were open to adopting safer disposal methods.

Winners in both categories will receive a half-day, hands-on science workshop, a class set of science books and a US$250 bookstore voucher, along with trophies, medals and certificates.

Second-place teams will be awarded a US$100 bookstore voucher in addition to trophies, medals and certificates.

This marks Queen’s College’s second consecutive victory in the competition.

Organisers are also encouraging broader participation from across the Caribbean in the 2026–2027 staging of the event.

Marketing Manager of Macmillan Education, Dr. Katy Anyasoro said, “the competition continues to grow as a regional platform for showcasing Caribbean students’ innovation and environmental stewardship.”

She added, “This year’s projects, which ranged from reducing plastic waste to addressing antimicrobial resistance, reflect the increasing awareness among young people of the need for sustainable solutions to real-world challenges.”

the public will soon be able to access a highlight video featuring submissions from across the region, along with images from prize-giving ceremonies held in participating countries.

The Young Environmental Scientists Competition is open to students aged 7 to 18 and encourages participants to investigate environmental concerns and create innovative, practical solutions through research, experimentation and teamwork—helping to shape the next generation of Caribbean scientists and environmental leaders.