Press Releases

Georgetown, Guyana – In a thrilling conclusion to match 8 of the first round of the Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition 2025, the St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church Youth Group emerged victorious over the University of Guyana’s Women in Law Association Youth Group, held virtually at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2025.

Debating on the timely and thought-provoking moot, “Wages and salaries have kept pace with the rising cost of living,” the two teams presented a dynamic exchange of arguments. The St. Robert Bellarmine team, arguing as the Opposition, skillfully dismantled the Proposition’s case to secure a combined average score of 183.6 points, surpassing the 179 points earned by their formidable opponents.

Judges noted a clear contrast in citation use, commending the winning team for effectively incorporating credible sources to substantiate their arguments. This strategic advantage played a pivotal role in swaying the panel and contributed to the group’s overall success.

The highlight of the debate came in the form of Ms. Jael Laud, who was named Best Debater for her commanding presence, eloquent delivery, and persuasive reasoning that captured the attention of both judges and viewers.

With this hard-fought win, the St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church Youth Group advances to the second round of the national competition and secures a coveted spot in the 10th Annual Youth Parliament—a milestone opportunity to participate in national dialogue and showcase youth leadership.

The Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition continues to serve as a cornerstone for youth empowerment in Guyana, challenging participants to engage critically with pressing societal issues while honing their public speaking and analytical abilities.

As the competition progresses, anticipation builds for the final matchup in Round One. Match 9 will see the Essequibo Technical Institute Challengers take on the Queen’s College Debate and Literacy Club Youth Group at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The teams will debate the moot: “Guyana’s media is failing in its democratic responsibility.”
Viewers can tune in live via our Website, Facebook, and YouTube pages.

END