The St. Mary’s Academy and Orion Academy have emerged winners of the semi-final round of the Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition which was held on Monday, March 25, at Fort Young Hotel.
In the first debate which started at 2:00 pm, St. Mary’s Academy and Arthur Waldron SDA Academy debated the topic: ‘It is the responsibility of the government to urgently implement strategies to mitigate the damaging impacts of brain drain in Dominica.’
Proposing the topic from St. Mary’s Academy were Noah Sorhaindo and Jelani Shillingford. Sorhaindo, the first speaker for SMA pointed out that Dominica has begun experiencing the consequences of brain drain on the country’s economy, health, education systems, and society and insisted that though the private sector has a role to play, it is the government’s responsibility to tackle the problem.
He said, “The government bears the main responsibility, because the government’s job is to ensure that even the private sector is met with an environment which encourages their growth that will be filtered down to the citizens.”
Sorhaindo also spoke about the lack of Dominican workers in the workforce of foreign companies in the country as well as the country’s current minimum wage which he said leaves citizens no choice but to migrate. Sorhaindo rhetorically asked, “If the government demands strict adherence to the labor code, wouldn’t more minds and hands remain on the island to foster economic growth?”
On the opposing side were Reuan Thomas and Malia Bertrand representing the Sir Arthur Waldron SDA Academy.
Thomas countered that it is not the responsibility of the government but rather everyone’s responsibility to ensure that strategies are implemented to help mitigate the damaging impacts of brain drain in Dominica.
He stated that there are non-governmental agencies that have taken up the responsibility and are already mitigating the impacts of brain drain on the country. “It is not merely on the government, but a collective approach is needed from the non-governmental agencies and private sector combined with the efforts of citizens,” the SDA debater stated.
He said these organizations have already started by offering skilled development programs that provide mentorship initiatives and training workshops that will allow individuals to be more employable and better local talent.
The second debate in the semi finals round featured representatives of the Isiah Thomas Secondary (ITSS) and the Orion Academy.
The debate was on the topic, ‘Dominican Youth have been given sufficient opportunities to positively impact the economy.’
Proposing the topic were ITSS students Amelia Charles and Jo-Annel Serrant while Dymond Daniel and Éhjadi Maxwell from the Orion Academy opposed.
Charles spoke of the opportunities provided by the government of Dominica under various groups such as the Dominica Youth Business Trust. She pointed to local organizations that provide loans, scholarships and other programmes that will assist youth in contributing significantly to the country’s economy.
She said, “Through education and skills training, we are empowered to not only secure gainful employment but also create jobs and drive economic progress.”
Opposing speaker, Dymond Daniel, stated that though there are opportunities for the youth, there is not much being done to educate the targeted demographic, arguing, “If there is no campaign to educate on how to access these opportunities, then you cannot claim that sufficient opportunities are being provided.”
Daniel also asserted that organizations in charge of giving these opportunities are sometimes biased, only distributing the opportunities to a select few.
In the end, St. Mary’s Academy won outscored Sir Arthur Waldron SDA Academy to win the first debate while in the second round, the Orion Academy won against Isiah Thomas Secondary.
St.Mary’s Academy and Orion Academy will participate in the finals of the Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition which is scheduled for April 17.
Sponsors for this round of debate will include, Lindo Mart, KFC, Trois Pitons Water, Quenchi, Freeman Consulting Inc, Domlec, The Watering Can, Jolly’s Pharmacy and Sweet Novelities.
Great job, by providing a platform to youthful expressions.