Georgetown Government wins zonal Public Speaking Competition

J’Nyla Lewis-Childs of the Georgetown Government School copped the Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy to emerge champion of the Pamelus Burke Government School’s first Zonal Public Speaking Competition.

Competitors of the PBGS Public Speaking Competition

J’Nyla said she is proud to be the first winner of the competition which was held on Thursday, May  23, 2024, at the Pamelus Burke Government School in Byrea.

She won in the Prepared Speech category which saw her and her fellow competitors debating the topic: “Should sugary food and drinks be banned in schools”.

Japhia Thomas of the South Rivers Methodist School won the Impromptu category to secure the second position. Thomas spoke on the topic “If I were the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for one day”.

Third place went to Rolanda Richardson of the Pamelus Burke Government School; and Kenieka Clouden of the Langley Park Government School placed fourth.

Chairperson of the Pamelus Burke Government School’s Literacy Committee, Lystra Huggins, in her remarks, said the school has been hosting internal public speaking competitions annually in the month of May, to celebrate Literacy Week. The school extended an invitation to neighbouring schools this year to help promote the development of public speaking as an important soft skill among students.

Huggins noted that public speaking encourages children to express themselves with confidence and clarity, and enhances their self-esteem and communication skills. Further, that improved communication skills will help the students academically and in real life situations. Huggins also noted that the school believes oration should be at the heart of every classroom, hence they took on the challenge of organizing this year’s competition.(API)