The Lions Club South Secondary Schools Public Speaking Competition is well on its way to the grand final, with the majority of the preliminary rounds already being completed.{{more}}

With the zone one, two and three preliminaries out of the way, the fourth and final one is being held today at 1:30 p.m. at the Barrouallie Learning Resource Centre, and will see participation from the St Martin’s Secondary School, Central Leeward Secondary, Troumaca Secondary, Petit Bordel Secondary, and Union Island Secondary.

At the zone one preliminary which took place at Frenches House on Tuesday, September 30, Minister of Education and Acting Prime Minister Girlyn Miguel lauded the students on having the courage to put themselves forward for the event, whilst acknowledging the all-female line-up of that zone’s participants.

“I am happy that you are here today,” said Miguel. “It is not that I didn’t miss the boys, but thank God for you, because you are making things happen!”

Referring to zone one’s topic – ‘Bullying (including cyber bullying), social exclusion, stigmatisation and scorn are accepted responses to individuals whose personal choices do not conform to societal norms,’ Miguel recognised the role of the Ministry and the various schools in helping to eliminate it.

“Bullying is an age old problem… Today we have to face something different in terms of cyber bullying.”

Miguel went on to thank the Lions Club South for its “unstinting support,” and encouraged it to continue to partner with the Ministry in the business of education.

LIME, which has been the sole sponsor of this event for over 25 years, was represented by Nikala Williams, senior marketing and corporate communications officer.

Describing the event as “prestigious”, Williams encouraged the participating students to represent their schools to the best of their capabilities.

“Deliver your presentations with strong conviction and vigour,” she urged. “Remember that anything that’s worth doing is worth doing well. So, give this your best shot!”

She further applauded the efforts of teachers and parents in assisting with the execution of this competition each year.

“It is very important that our students understand the importance of communication, whether it be written or verbal. The ability to effectively communicate builds confidence and aids in important decision-making.”

Participants in the zone one preliminary were Andrieka Samuel of the Girls’ High School; Damali James of the Bishop’s College Kingstown; Michaela Miguel of the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown; Ria Christopher of the Dr JP Eustace Secondary; Kyshawner Bacchus of the St Clair Dacon Secondary; and Ralyicia Andrews of the Thomas Saunders Secondary.

Zone two’s participants were Triston Williams of the Bethel High School; Chrislon Fraser of the St Vincent Grammar School; Tevin Bynoe of the Bequia Community High School; Grantliea Caine of the Intermediate High School; and Kerian Williams of the West St George Secondary.

The topic for zone two, which was also held at Frenches House on Wednesday, was ‘Drugs and alcohol dependency – particularly among young adults – is a disease too often overlooked’.

Zone three, which took place at the North Union Learning Resource Centre yesterday, saw participation from the St Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua, Mountain View Seventh-Day Adventist Academy, Georgetown Secondary, Adelphi Secondary, North Union Secondary, Sandy Bay Secondary, and the George Stephens Secondary.

The topic for this zone was ‘The effect of climate change on agriculture and marine life is a frightening proposition to which poor countries like St Vincent and the Grenadines will never be able to adequately respond’.

Zone four’s topic will be ‘The economics of marijuana is the main driver behind the medical claims’.

The panel who judged the preliminary rounds comprised Carlton ‘C.P’ Hall, retired senior education officer; Philmore Isaacs, retired chief agricultural officer; and Iris Mounsey, retired principal. They will be joined by two other judges at the final.

The six top performing students out of all the participating students will compete in the final, which is slated to be held on Wednesday, October 22, at the Methodist Church Hall.(JSV)