Dr. J.P Eustace Memorial cops Lions Club Public Speaking title

by Eldonté Samuel

There was a massive eruption of applause in the Methodist Church Hall on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, when Rahj Bulze was announced as the 2024 winner of the Lions Club St Vincent South & FLOW National Schools Public Speaking competition.

(FROM LEFT) Alexander Cummings, Rahj Bulze, Jaheem Primus (behind of Bulze), Samarah Lynch, Macy Baptiste, Kyra Johnson

Bulze, a fifth form student of the Dr. J.P Eustace Memorial Secondary School, was able to win the competition after capturing the award for the best student-prepared and impromptu speeches.

He separated himself from the other competitors in the impromptu round, as he held his composure, remaining confident, as he spoke on the topic: ‘Developing Talents and Abilities’.

The Lance Corporal (L/Cpl) in the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cadet Force’s band pleaded for teachers and parents to encourage their children when they display certain talents and abilities. Using himself as an example, Bulze shared that his music teacher, Miss Taylor, discovered his talent in music.

“She took me in at an early age and taught me how to read music, how to learn the music philosophy, and also how to play my instrument today,” Bulze said, revealing that he plays the trumpet.

His delivery was met with a massive round of applause from the audience who appeared to be confident he had won the competition.

During the impromptu round, there was audible discussion among the audience on each speech as they discussed the topics among themselves.

For his student-prepared speech, Bulze spoke about youth violence in St Vincent and the Grenadines. He shared his experience about running from the sound of gunshots one night in his community of Redemption Sharpes. Bulze declared that youth violence is not merely a criminal issue but, also a serious public health and community crisis stemming from deeper societal issues such as poverty.

“Our young people are waging formidable battles; many are deprived of crucial resources, job training, employment opportunities, [and] mental health support.”

The Cadet L/Cpl said he has witnessed first-hand how transformative it can be when there are community initiatives, mentorship programmes, and safe spaces provided for youths.

“When young people are provided with guidance and real opportunities, they no longer have to resort to violence to feel seen and respected,” he declared.

At the end of the competition, in an interview with SEARCHLIGHT, Bulze described feeling ecstatic after his big win, noting that a mountain of work went into preparing himself for the competition.

“So I feel happy that my efforts have been rewarded,” Bulze remarked.

The fifth-former revealed that he wasn’t expecting gold when going into the competition, but he shook off that feeling and determined that, “I am going to show them that J.P has a lot of talent.”

In encouraging others who may be interested in being a part of the competition one day, Bulze said, “Don’t let your status hold you down. Do what is great for you.”

The Dr J.P Eustace Memorial Secondary School has been in the spotlight for the right reasons recently. Last year, students took the top spots in two categories of the Ministry of Education’s VINLEC National Science and Technology Fair. A group of three students won in the Physics category of the Upper Secondary Division with a ‘Hot Ice’ project, and a student in the Lower Secondary Divison won the Chemistry category with an ‘Invisible Ink’ project.

Samarah Lynch from the Mountain View Adventist Academy, who placed second in the public speaking contest also spoke with SEARCHLIGHT during which she expressed her optimism about where the competition can take her in the future. She also shared that “it was very tasking, and it took a lot of time and preparation, but as I can see now, in the end, it was worth it.”

Lynch said she was also nervous.
“I was praying up there like ten pastors the whole time. I am happy I got through this experience.”

The third place bronze medal went to Alexander Cummings of the St Martin’s Secondary School who delivered the best speech on the main topic.