Debates down to final four
Michael Lee,Youthlink Writer

Each match seemed to be a struggle for the judges as they experienced a hard time deliberating who should advance to the semi-finals of the National Schools' Debating Competition.

After the storm passed and the hurtling words had subsided, Manchester, Glenmuir, Tacius Golding high schools and Cornwall College came out victorious, with only minor scratches, ready to face another verbal onslaught.

St Mary High, though presenting a good argument under the moot 'Dancehall music incites violence', were not able to persuade the judges enough as proposers Manchester were more convincing in their message and advanced to the semi-finals.

Best speaker

In the second quarter-final, Shaneil Demporter of Glenmuir High, indicating that "tradition was the guardian of progress" and adding that "tradition is the basis on which all progress takes place," copped best speaker during her team's match against Camperdown High, who opposed the moot: 'Tradition is the enemy to progress'.

In the third match of the evening, Tacius Golding, with a structured argument and a first speaker who were able to set a strong foundation, was able to dislodge the arguments of Munro College and convince judges that they were definitely the ones worthy of getting into the final four.

The moot: Women are responsible for the decline in chivalry.

Arguing the moot 'The family unit is facing extinction', Wolmer's Boys and Cornwall College gave it their all as brothers argued about the problems in the family unit. The match, which seemed to have the judges uncertain about the victor, after accurate and persuasive arguments on both ends, saw Cornwall getting the nod.

Despite Cornwall's victory, Fabian Barracks of Wolmer's Boys was praised as the best speaker, with commendations going to his teammate Gavay Watt.

Burger King, The Gleaner's Youthlink magazine, Nationwide and Coca-Cola are the title sponsors for the National Schools Debating Competition.

Glenmuir High School's debating team is all smiles after their victory over Camperdown in the National Schools' Debating quarter-finals recently. From left: Oraine Edwards (third speaker), Shanelle Demporter (first speaker) and Jason Lofters.

Semi-finalists Tacius Golding pose for the 'Youthlink' camera after their successful match against Munro College recently. From left: Rochelle Jones (third speaker), Noville Ferrigan (second speaker) and Christopher Pearson.

The Cornwall College team looks thoughtful just before their National Schools' Debating Competition quarter-final match against Wolmer's Boys' School. From left: Norman Malcom (third speaker), Travis Atkinson (second speaker) and Mikhail Williams.

- Photos by Michael Lee