IN JAMAICA: Kingston College, Munro move to debate finals competition.....after they were awarded victory over McGrath High and Glenmuir High respectively.

By KARENA BENNETT Career & Education writer  Sunday, April 13, 2014    

KINGSTON College and Munro College will move on to the Burger King National Schools' Debate competition finals, after they were awarded victory over McGrath High and Glenmuir High respectively.

The semi-finals, which took place last Tuesday at the Limelight Entertainment Complex in Half-Way-Tree, saw Kingston College going up against McGrath High debating the motion, 'This house prefers investment to environmental protection'.

Munroe

According to the judges, Kingston College "had met the burden of proof, had a nuanced approach, was very strategic, and could identify quantifiable benefits from their arguments".

They felt that Kingston College had a good strategy, displayed coherent team work and had a practical approach to the business of development.

However, best speaker was adjudged deputy opposition leader Shanara Bennett of McGrath. Holding the post of prime minister, first speaker of Kingston College Javair Thomas opened the floor with a quote from American author and journalist Napoleon Hill, "Great achievements are usually born of great sacrifice".

KC

He proposed that the government move towards sustainable development, which involves precautionary measures being taken to protect the environment, while making strategic investments that will benefit Jamaica's economy. His arguments were later challenged by opposition leader Timone Walker, who bashed him for failing to carry out his mandate and instead supporting their viewpoint. The opposition argued that as much as they believe economic investments are important, it is within their duty to protect the environment.

She noted that it is simply unwise to prioritise investments over environmental protection, and unless this government changes its narrow-minded approach towards development, this country will never be able to elevate itself from the developmental quagmire it is in.

Kingston College's second speaker Chevaugn Channer fought a hard battle in his response, highlighting the economic benefits that Jamaica could gain from investing. He said that the country is in dire need for investment with the increasing unemployment rate, a sliding dollar and balance of payment problems. He further stated that Jamaica will be mirroring Haiti's economic state if sustainable investment does not take priority over the environment. Channer's arguments were further upheld by his teammate Kevonne Martin, who spoke of benefits such as alleviating the country's crime rate and reducing poverty that could be achieved by investments. "My opponents, it takes cash to care," he said, before quoting popular dancehall artiste Bounty Killer's song 'Anytime mi hungry again dem ago see mi nine'. more