Minister of Youth, the Hon. Stephen Lashley joined participants of the CARIFESTA Youth Village to view the partial eclipse yesterday.
It was a “wow” moment for hundreds of youth as they had the rare opportunity to view the partial eclipse, yesterday.
Thanks to the United States (U.S.) Embassy in Barbados, the participants of the CARIFESTA Youth Village at the Barbados Community College (BCC) were able to safely observe the memorable spectacle.
Minister of Youth, the Hon. Stephen Lashley took the opportunity to also view the eclipse at the BCC noting that it was a “once in a lifetime occasion”.
He admitted to members of the media that he was just as anxious as the young people to take a glimpse.
“The question was posed whether you should allow children to go and view the eclipse because of the dangers of looking at it with unprotected eyes. The interesting answer given was that you should allow children to do this with protection, because who knows what the experience may bring. It could result in a scientist… someone wanting to find out more about the solar system.”
“It is good to encourage them to be inquisitive. We have been talking a lot about innovation; how we could have more young people involved in science and technology and this occasion is all about inquiring and finding out more about our universe, and I think that is good for our young people,” Lashley stressed.
Public Affairs Officer (PAO) at the Embassy, James Rodriguez not only distributed the special eyewear to those interested in viewing the eclipse, but also shared the importance of wearing them. (TL)