News

Georgetown, Guyana - In an exhilarating showdown that captivated audiences at the Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition 2023, the Young Influencers Programme Youth Group emerged triumphant over their formidable opponents, the Golden Om Dharmic Organisation Youth Group, in the highly anticipated final.

The prestigious debating competition, held annually to foster critical thinking and articulate expression among the youth, witnessed an intense clash of ideas and persuasive arguments as both teams showcased their exceptional oratory skills. The event took place in Dome of the renowned Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, before an enthusiastic crowd which included Ministers of Government, Members of Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, students, educators, and debate enthusiasts.

The combined average scores for the judges were as follows: for the Proposition, the Young Influencers Programme Youth Group, 201.1 points, and 198.8 points for the Opposing side, the Golden Om Dharmic Organisation Youth Group.

The Young Influencers Programme Youth Group, comprised of three talented individuals passionate about social issues and change, displayed their prowess in constructing compelling arguments with astute reasoning. It was their brilliant performance in the final debate topic, "CARICOM’s biggest achievements are exemptions and excuses," that solidified their victory.

Ms. Corissa McClure of the winning Young Influencers Programme Youth Group showcased her ability to connect with the audience as she copped the Best Speaker Award for this matchup.

Facing off against the Young Influencers Programme Youth Group, the Golden Om Dharmic Organisation Youth Group put up a valiant fight with their impeccable research and eloquence. They engaged in a spirited debate impressing the audience and judges alike with their profound insights and strong emotional appeal.

Both teams demonstrated exceptional teamwork, critical thinking, and exceptional debating skills throughout the competition, capturing the attention of the audience with their persuasive rhetoric and intellectual prowess.

The victory of the Young Influencers Programme Youth Group in the Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition 2023 not only signifies their triumph but also recognises the vital role of young voices in shaping the nation's discourse on significant societal issues.

As the champions, they received a trophy, cash prizes, and a Laptop for the Best Debater award. Their remarkable achievement has not only brought them well-deserved recognition but also opened doors for future opportunities to represent Guyana at national and international debating events.

The Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition serves as a platform for young individuals to refine their public speaking skills, foster critical thinking, and engage in meaningful discussions on topics that impact society. It continues to be a celebrated event that encourages the youth of Guyana to voice their opinions and contribute to the nation's intellectual growth.