The 2024 J.O.F Haynes Memorial Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition has concluded in a thrilling finale, with Zeeburg Secondary emerging as the national champions after an intense battle with Berbice High School. This year’s competition featured some of the most outstanding young debaters from across Guyana, demonstrating their research, critical thinking, and oratory skills in a series of high-level debates. The competition finale was held at the Ministry’s National Centre for Educational Resource Development, Kingston, Georgetown.
The competition commenced on December 3, 2024, in Region 3, where Zeeburg Secondary faced off against Bygeval Secondary on the moot, “AI technology has the potential to positively impact education.” Zeeburg Secondary secured the win, setting the stage for a series of intellectually stimulating rounds.
The first full round of debates took place on December 4, 2024, with six schools contesting the moot, “Single-gender schools will provide a superior educational experience.” The proposing teams—Nappi Secondary Department, Abram Zuil Secondary, and Three Miles Secondary—argued in favour, while The Bishops’ High, Friendship Secondary, and Santa Rosa Secondary opposed the argument. Additionally, due to flight availability issues, Kato Secondary and Linden Foundation debated separately on January 17, 2025, in Mahdia on the moot, “Guyana’s development lies primarily in Technical, Vocational, Education and Training.” After the rigorous debates, The Bishops’ High, Friendship Secondary, Santa Rosa Secondary, and Kato Secondary advanced to Round Two, while Berbice High drew a bye to proceed automatically.
On January 31, 2025, the intensity of the competition escalated as teams presented arguments on the moot, “Government should set the curriculum but refrain from owning and operating schools.” Santa Rosa Secondary, The Bishops’ High, and Friendship Secondary argued in favour, while Zeeburg Secondary, Berbice High School, and Kato Secondary opposed. With compelling arguments and outstanding rebuttals, Berbice High, Zeeburg Secondary, and Friendship Secondary emerged victorious, moving on to the next stage. Zeeburg Secondary, due to the tournament structure, drew a bye directly into the Finals.
The semifinal round took place on February 26, 2025, featuring a fierce battle between Berbice High School, which proposed the moot, “Imprisonment for minor offences should be discontinued,” and Friendship Secondary, which opposed. Both teams presented compelling cases, challenging each other’s perspectives with logic and persuasive rhetoric. After a close contest, Berbice High emerged victorious, securing their place in the Grand Finale against Zeeburg Secondary.
The much-anticipated final debate took place on a grand stage, with Berbice High proposing the moot, “Guyana should prioritize value-added industries over raw extractive exports to ensure long-term economic stability.” Zeeburg Secondary opposed the argument, and in a battle that showcased exceptional rhetoric, logical reasoning, and strategic rebuttals, Zeeburg Secondary claimed the championship title with a narrow five-point victory—securing 250 points to Berbice High’s 245 points. The Best Speaker award was presented to Veronica Joseph, the Second Speaker from Zeeburg Secondary, for her outstanding delivery and critical analysis.
Friendship Secondary secured third place, with all top three schools receiving trophies and prizes for their commendable performances. The Ministry of Natural Resources, which provided the moot for the Finals, awarded three trophies to the top-performing teams in recognition of their excellence in debating.
In appreciation of the dedication and hard work of the coaches, each teacher who guided their teams received $30,000. The victorious debaters from Zeeburg Secondary were each awarded $20,000, while the second-place winners from Berbice High received $10,000 each.
The competition not only rewarded excellence but also reinforced the importance of debate as a medium for youth empowerment and national development. As the 2024 champions, Zeeburg Secondary now holds the prestigious title and well-earned bragging rights until the 2025 National Competition, set to begin in September 2025.
The J.O.F Haynes Memorial Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition is a prestigious event that fosters intellectual growth, public speaking abilities, and analytical thinking among secondary school students. Named in honour of J.O.F Haynes, a distinguished Guyanese legal luminary and advocate for education, the competition has served as a platform for shaping future leaders and policy influencers. This year’s competition was no exception, showcasing exceptional talent from students nationwide.
