By Samuel Gillis
In the ongoing Speaker’s Regional Youth Debating Competition 2024, the discourse on pressing social issues continues to unfold, shedding light on challenges faced by Guyana and the world at large.
In the recent round of debate, the Kast Talent Management Youth Group emerged triumphant in Match 2, Round 1 for District 11.
The group secured victory over the opposing Progressive Youth Movement Youth Group.
The proposition centered around the moot “mental health is the most neglected social issue.”
Carl Pedro, the first speaker of the proposing team, underscored the significance of mental health awareness.
He highlighted alarming statistics, citing a report by the World Health Organization revealing that mental disorders account for 30% of global non-fatal diseases.
Pedro also drew attention to the Ministry of Health’s findings, indicating that 15% of Guyana’s population suffers from some form of mental illness.
Representing the opposing side, Hayden Mentore argued that while mental health is important, issues such as poverty, homelessness, and racial discrimination demand more urgent attention.
Mentore referenced a news article published by PAHO, emphasizing Guyana’s efforts to address mental health concerns through community-based services.
The debate concluded with Kast Talent Management Youth Group securing victory by a narrow margin of one point.
This debate serves as a platform for youth to engage in critical discourse on pressing social issues, fostering awareness and understanding among participants and spectators alike.