By Samuel Gillis
The Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition saw a spirited quarter-final match as the Helpful Hands Youth Group emerged victorious over the Future Diplomats Youth Group.
This win propels them into the semi-finals, continuing their impressive run in the competition.
The debate centered around the moot, “Noncommunicable diseases are sufficiently addressed in Guyana.” Abiane Saul, representing the Helpful Hands Youth Group, argued in favor of the moot.
Saul highlighted that Guyana is one of the 45 countries worldwide that offers free healthcare.
She emphasized the extensive efforts made in the country to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) through various initiatives such as grants, billboards, outreach programs, and radio and television programs aimed at NCD prevention and management.
In contrast, Beyonce Roberts, the first speaker for the Future Diplomats Youth Group, argued against the moot.
She contended that NCDs are not given the necessary attention in Guyana, leading to severe consequences.
Roberts referenced a PAHO report which stated that NCDs are the leading cause of death worldwide.
Specifically, in Guyana, 68 percent of deaths in 2016 were attributed to NCDs.
Ultimately, the judges favored the arguments presented by the Helpful Hands Youth Group, securing their advancement to the semi-finals.
Abiane Saul was also recognized for her exceptional performance and was adjudged the Best Debater for this matchup.