Friendship Secondary wins first ever virtual debating competition

Friendship Secondary School defeated President’s College at the Education Ministry’s first virtual debating competition, held at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD).

The moot for the final was, “The COVID-19 pandemic is the greatest hindrance to the economic development in Guyana”. Friendship Secondary proposed the moot.
However, before the final debate, all the other rounds were done virtually. Four Education Districts participated in the competition, with two schools representing each district.
Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) was represented by West Demerara and Zeeburg Secondary schools, while Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) was represented by Friendship Secondary and President’s College.
Mackenzie High and New Silvercity Secondary schools represented Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), and Georgetown was represented by the Bishops’ High and Brickdam Secondary schools.

The competition, coordinated by the Education Ministry under strict COVID-19 guidelines, was the first of its kind.
In light of the pandemic, the Ministry was steadfast in ensuring that the competition was held, and therefore the adoption of the virtual approach.
The final debate was keenly contested, and the judges opined that both teams exhibited good oratory skills and the moot was well researched. Addiette McAlmont of President’s College was adjudged the Best Speaker.
The winning team comprised Toressa Reddy, Ronaldo Charles and Rockalya Thomas, while President’s College was represented by Addiette Mc Almont, Zahra Knights and Travis Isaacs.
The competition began on September 29, 2020.