Barrett’s top speaker

After taking first place in almost every category in every round she participated in, ten-year-old Kaela Barrett of the Georgetown Government School put her stamp of authority on the 2007 National Insurance Services sponsored Primary Schools Literacy Enrichment Public Speaking Competition.

Barrett was named the overall winner as the competition culminated last Thursday March 22nd at the Methodist Church Hall, after winning the impromptu segment of the tournament and placing second in the prepared speech category of the finals.{{more}}

The prepared topic: “Why do you think it is important to become a member of the National Insurance Services (NIS)?” was won by Janielle Browne of the New Grounds Primary School, with Barrett placing second and Vanessa Harry of the Barrouallie Government, third.

Barrett clinched the top position speaking on the impromptu topic “The Grenadines”, with Chiaka Bulze of the Belair Government speaking on the topic “School Uniforms” placing second and Harry third with her topic “Teachers”.

The overall winners, who were judged in a number of areas including content and presentation, were Barrett first, Browne second and Harry third.

Barrett had already won both categories in the zonal round of the competition and placed third in the writing competition, which was held earlier this year. That was won by Ricklon Young of the Bequia Anglican Primary School.

Barrett thanked her teachers for helping her throughout the competition, and also gave credit to her parents and friends who supported her.

She plans to continue public speaking and would like to become a veterinarian in the future.

Deputy Executive Director of the National Insurance Services, Mineva Glasgow, confirmed her company’s continued support for the event which is in its first year.

The other competitors in the finals were Phiona Franklyn of the CW Prescod Primary, Paige Veira of the Windsor Primary, Tanesha Kydd of the Evesham Methodist, Camila Neptune of the Questelles Government, Azanie Lavia of Sandy Bay Anglican and the lone male in the competition Akeil Matthews of the Layou Government School.