By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The fourth edition of the Speaker’s Regional Youth Debating Competition—a flagship parliamentary initiative for Guyanese aged 14 to 35—continued its high-stakes momentum on Monday. In a closely contested Match 10 of the Region 4 preliminaries, the Buxton Pride Youth Group emerged victorious, signaling their intent to become a dominant force in this year’s tournament.
The Buxton team edged out the Phoenix Movement Youth Group during the morning session, securing their spot in the next round through a combination of rigorous research and persuasive oratory.
The Moot: Democracy vs. Conduct
The debate centered on a timely and provocative moot: “Parliamentary conduct in Guyana reflects healthy democratic debate.”
- The Proposition (Buxton Pride): Arguing in favor of the moot, the Buxton team amassed a winning score of 183 points. They posited that even heated exchanges within the National Assembly are a sign of a functioning democracy where diverse views are passionately defended.
- The Opposition (Phoenix Movement): The Phoenix Movement countered with a score of 176 points, arguing that true democracy requires structured accountability and that disorderly conduct can often undermine the legislative process.
A Rising Star:Kwadjo Garnett
The highlight of the session was the standout performance by Buxton’s lead debater, Kwadjo Garnett, who earned the title of Best Debater.
- Global Perspective: During his rebuttal, Garnett drew parallels between the Guyana Parliament and the British House of Commons, arguing that robust—and sometimes loud—debate is a global hallmark of democratic precedence.
- Academic Excellence: Garnett follows a prestigious lineage of Buxton scholars, such as Eusi Kwayana and Dr. David Hinds. A dual alumnus of May’s Secondary and The Bishop’s High School, Garnet holds both an undergraduate degree in Business Management and an MBA from the University of Guyana.
- A Family of Trailblazers: Garnett’s oratorical skill is deeply rooted; he is the nephew of Glenna Spencer, the first female Bishop of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas.
Looking Ahead to Round 2
As an Inspector at the National Insurance Scheme and a burgeoning entrepreneur with two small businesses, Kwadjo Garnett exemplifies the “future leader” archetype the Speaker’s Competition aims to foster. With the first round concluded, Buxton Pride now prepares for the intensified scrutiny of Round 2, where they hope to maintain their momentum and carry the pride of their community to the national finals.
