(From the Guyana Chronicle – 5 December, 2007)
BISHOPS’ High School yesterday copped the Joseph Oscar Fitzclarence (J.O.F.) Haynes Memorial Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition 2007 final, held at the National Cultural Centre.
The climax of the competition saw lively presentations by the students of Bishops’ High school and Anna Regina Secondary school over a one-hour period.
The teams comprised three students each who argued for and against the moot: ‘The implementation of school boards will contribute greatly to improve school performance.’
Bishops’ High was the opposing team , and included Keteisha Bynoe, Leonie Mc Garrell and Damali Lovell, who debated against the Essequibians, Rayshan Latchman, Deanna Walcott and Tracy Marks, for the proposition.
The best speaker prize went to Keteisha Bynoe who was the first speaker of the opposition team. The long series of debate competitions started in September and was held across the country.
According to the Acting Chief Education Officer for Secondary Schools, Ms. Melcita Bovell, the Ministry of Education continues to foster programmes geared to develop the capacity of students in various disciplines.
Ms. Bovell noted that the debate competition is a unique beneficial educational tool for students. She added that the Ministry of Education has recognised the value of debates and is making every effort to promote, encourage and support debates in schools.
The JOF Haynes Memorial Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition is an annual event held during education month and is presently in its 23rd year.
Metro office supplies were the main sponsor of the event along with Roraima Airlines.
