UPEC wins Speaker’s Youth debating contest

Jul 07, 2025 News

UPEC debates: Shaquille Wilson and Wiken Decamp receiving their prize from House Speaker, Manzoor Nadir

Two members of the UPEC team: Shaquile Wilson and Wiken DeCamp

Kaieteur News – The Upper East Coast Youth Federation (UPEC) has emerged victorious in the Final of the Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition 2025, narrowly edging past the Ruimveldt Life Improvement Centre Youth Ministries Group in a gripping showdown that showcased the finest youth debaters in the nation.

According to a press release from the Parliament, the hybrid event, held in the Chamber of the Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4, 2025, drew an enthusiastic crowd, including the Aubrey C. Norton, Leader of the Opposition, Opposition Members of Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Best Debaters from the 2025 Speaker’s Regional and National Youth Debating Competitions, students, educators, parents, and online viewers across the country.

The moot for the final debate, “Nationalism is a threat to peace,” challenged participants to think critically about global and national dynamics. The Upper East Coast Youth Federation, debating on the opposing side, secured an average judge score of 218 points, narrowly surpassing the Ruimveldt Life Improvement Centre Youth Ministries Group’s 216 points.

Members of the Ruimveldt Life Improvement Centre Youth Ministries Group

Despite being away for a Church Conference in the USA, Ms. Marinella Glasgow of the Upper East Coast Youth Federation joined the debate online, delivering a compelling argument that contributed to her team’s victory. The champions received a trophy and cash prizes for their stellar performance.

In a testament to the calibre of the competition, Ms. Shontell Davis-Daniels of the Ruimveldt Life Improvement Centre Youth Ministries Group was awarded the Best Speaker Award for the final debate and also received the Best Overall Debater trophy for the 2025 competition, the release added. Her team was awarded trophies and cash prizes for their remarkable journey throughout the tournament.

The competition concluded with a prize-giving ceremony, where the Best Debaters from each match-up in the Speaker’s Regional and National Debating Competitions 2025 were recognised with trophies for their outstanding contributions to youth debate in Guyana. Judges who dedicated their time to adjudicating the debates also received tokens of appreciation for their service.

Manzoor Nadir, M.P., Speaker of the National Assembly, and Norton delivered remarks during the awards ceremony, encouraging participants to continue using their voices to contribute to nation-building. The final debate was broadcast live on the Parliament of Guyana’s website, Facebook, and YouTube pages, and was also streamed on Globespan and Guyana TV, allowing a wide audience to witness the impactful discussions led by the nation’s youth.

As preparations commence for the upcoming 10th Annual Youth Parliament in August 2025, participants from teams that advanced to the second round of the Fifth Speaker’s National Debating Competition will continue to refine their oratory skills and civic engagement.

Winning teams of the Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competitions from 2021 to present include:

Cummings Lodge Youth Movement
The Golden Om Dharmic Youth Organisation
Young Influencers Youth Group
Helpful Hands Youth Group
Upper East Coast Youth Federation

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Cummings Lodge Youth Movement, Speaker’s Youth debating contest, The Golden Om Dharmic Youth Organisation, UPEC, Upper East Coast Youth Federation, Young Influencers Youth Group, youth

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