Although not quite 20 years old, the veteran debaters on Saturday evening won the debate against two representatives from the Government of Montserrat.
The moot: The Government is not doing enough to retain the island’s youth was supported by the team of Chekwube Okereke and Daranthea Sweeney, both of whom have been part of former national teams for the Leeward Islands Debating Competition. Opposing were Hon Minister of Agriculture Claude Hogan and Parliamentary Secretary Gregory Willock.
The discussion which followed the debate saw impassioned pleas from the youth to be heard. They challenged the ideas presented by the ministers that current efforts is “enough”. Youth Officer Loni Howe also pleaded for the ministers to read the Youth Policy which has been revised and still has not been adopted. She said it was a reflection of the young people of the island, not just government.
The veteran debaters won with 651 points, while the ministers received 586 points.
Best Speaker for the night was Daranthea Sweeney, who was also one of two Best Overall Speakers for the series of debates. The other winner of Best Overall Speaker trophy and cash prize was Dwaynifa Joseph.
Representatives from all of the teams were present to collect prizes and trophies for participation.
The competition was one of the popular activities organised by the Department of Youth Affairs for Youth Month which was held in October.
