The annual New Young Progressjve Debaters (NYPD) Debate Finals was held at the Teachers’ Resource Centre on Saturday, July 9th, 2022 at 7 pm – in front of a large physical an d virtual audience. The finalists of this debate involved four debaters, namely Yazel Simon and Kishanece Edwards (Proposition) and Taijanique Serpersaud and Jahvie Hamilton (Opposition). These finalists had participated in several debates with other NYPD debate members in the past few weeks, which they won, allowing them to participate in the finals.
After a brief prayer by Abigail Campbell, the Honourable Mr. José Vanterpool gave some opening remarks on the impact of debate, saying that “the debating society has truly been the biggest aspect that has shaped my life going forward – in terms of how I approach things from a multitude of different angles.” He encouraged those in primary school, and those in high school who haven’t already, to join the debate clubs.
The moot of the debate finals was “With the opening of the new campus, school hours at the A.L.H.C.S. should revert to 8 am to 3 pm.” The moderator of this debate was Mr. Colin Johnson and, in his charismatic, entertaining style, told the audience that “although the winners may not necessarily change the school hours, what I will try to do is make it accessible to the powers who can. You mightn’t change it, but what we are doing is opening their ears, eyes and nose so that they can smell and feel you, and know how you’re thinking.”
The judges of the NYPD Debate finals were members from the Literary and Debating Society which is the senior debate club at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School. They were Ms. Alysha Carty (Head Judge), Ms. Meekia Harrigan, Ms. Lyse-Andria Franklin and Mr. Aaivor Adams (Best speaker judge). The time keeper was Ms. Electa Adams. Immediately before the releasing of results, the Head Judge, Ms. Alysha Carty, commended the debaters and supporters at the debate. She then went on to say, “We appreciated how the debaters performed, and we encourage that these performances be enhanced using body language, facial expressions, and hand gestures. The familiarity of the script would also help with enhancing these areas. We do appreciate the effort of the debaters conducting surveys and reaching out to people who would be able to give relevant answers”.
The results were presented by Mr. Colin Johnson and the scores were as follows:
Proposition:
Yazel Simon (1st speaker) – 61 points
Kishanece Edwards (2nd speaker) – 56 points
Total – 117 points
Opposition:
Taijanique Serpersaud (1st speaker) – 76 points
Jahvie Hamilton (2nd speaker) – 58 points
Total – 134 points
The Opposition won the debate, and their 1st speaker, Taijanique Serpersaud, also won best speaker of the night for her exceptional performance. Mr. Aaivor Adams, the best speaker judge, commented on the positive aspects of the performances of everyone, saying “we definitely had great clarity tonight, as well as the grammar in the debates.” He noted that Taijanique Serpersaud received a total of 27 out of 30 points based on the best speaker criteria.
Many awards were presented – afterwards by the Honourable Premier, Dr. Ellis L. Webster, and the current principal of the ALHCS, Mrs. Rita Carty – to the debate members and groups who did exceptionally well throughout the debating period. Tyjanique also walked away with the best speaker award for year two , overall best speaker and the finals best speaker. Kishanece Edwards was awarded the most outstanding participation and best speaker Year One. Yazel Simon also won the most helpful award. The third place went to Taimayah Brooks and Timothy Monsanto. Jamoi Hodge won the best new debater award while Alejandra Butler was awarded the most improved debater. Awards also went to Delicia Harrigan for outstanding participation, Rhia Williams for being the most courageous debater and Jernai Weeks won the fair play award. In the impromptu speech contest , Abigail Campbell placed fifth, Timothy Mosanto placed 4th, Rohan Richardson placed third while Yazel Simon placed second and Kishanece Edwards was first. The NYPD would like to thank the following persons and businesses for their outstanding contributions: Anguilla Air Services, Mr Jamie Hodge, Mr Kerith Kentish, The Honorable Doctor Lorenzo Webster, The Honorable Dee- Anne Kentish Rogers, The Honorable Quincy Gumbs Marie, The Honorable Jose Vanterpool, Nakishma Rogers, Mr and Mrs Rocco Rosano, UR Choice Take Out and Catering Services, Miss Roxanne Benjamin, the principal of the ALHCS , Mrs Rita Carty, the staff at customs, Kool FM, Gaf and staff , Rhonica Connor, Barbara Webster Bourne, Deavene and Monica Guishard, Gweneth Johnson, Yazel Simon and her support groups , Keith Fabian and all those persons who in any way contributed or supported the NYPD 2022. Once again, Thanks to all!
– Contributed
