IN a thrilling clash of intellect and opinion, the University of Guyana Berbice Campus Orators’ Mastery Society Youth Group emerged victorious over the Joshua Generation Youth Ministry Youth Group, securing the final spot in the highly anticipated semi-finals of the Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition 2024.

Beginning on May 21, 2024, the Chamber of the Public Buildings, Brickdam, came alive with the voices of young debaters as the University of Guyana Berbice Campus Orators’ Mastery Society Youth Group faced off against the Joshua Generation Youth Ministry Youth Group. The debate discussed, “The exponential rise in Guyana’s gross domestic product is a testament to its growth and development.”

Both teams displayed remarkable research, critical thinking skills, and public speaking abilities. The participants captivated the judges and the online audience with persuasive arguments and eloquent delivery. The University of Guyana Berbice Campus Orators’ Mastery Society Youth Group came out on top with, 232 points, and 212 points for the Opposing side, the Joshua Generation Youth Ministry Youth Group.

Ms. Felisha Mohamed of the winning University of Guyana Berbice Campus Orators’ Mastery Society Youth Group won the Best Speaker Award for this matchup. This victory secures her group a place in the semi-finals, joining three other formidable teams: The Child Rights Youth Group, the Helpful Hands Youth Group, and the Bygeval Secondary Youth Group. These teams have demonstrated outstanding performance throughout the competition, showcasing their intellectual capabilities and readiness to engage in high-level discourse.

The journey to the semi-finals has been marked by several notable debates. The UG Berbice Campus Orators’ Mastery Society Youth Group clinched victory in their first-round match against the Progressive Youth Movement Youth Group, debating on “Guyana’s anti-corruption measures are effective.” Mohamed’s performance earned her the Best Debater award.

In the quarter-finals, the Child Rights Ambassadors Youth Group emerged victorious against the Oasis of Optimism Youth Group. The debate on “Privacy is dead with Artificial Intelligence” saw Attiya Griffith earn the Best Debater award.
The Helpful Hands Youth Group secured their semi-final spot by defeating the Future Diplomats Youth Group.

The moot was “Noncommunicable diseases are sufficiently addressed in Guyana,” with Adiane Saul winning the Best Debater title.
Bygeval Secondary School Youth Group triumphed over the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Guyana Youth Group in a debate on “Artificial intelligence makes religion obsolete.” Ray Duncan’s arguments won him the Best Debater award.

The semi-finals of the Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition are scheduled to take place on June 7, 2024. The nation eagerly awaits this intellectual battle as the brightest young minds from across the country go head-to-head in a contest of reasoning and persuasion.

The semi-final matchups are between the Child Rights Youth Group and the Helpful Hands Youth Group. At the same time, Bygeval Secondary Youth Group will contest against The University of Guyana Berbice Campus Orators’ Mastery Society Youth Group.
The Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition 2024 is seen as a significant platform for young minds to showcase their debating skills, engage in meaningful discourse, and prepare for future leadership roles.

Among the topics discussed were Guyana’s anti-corruption measures, Guyana’s energy policy, and transition to renewable energy, as well as Guyana’s animal management programme and education. Social media and diversifying the economy beyond oil were also topics the youths tackled. (Shaniya Harding)