Students from ECCU member countries take on economic growth debate
The event, which was held via videoconference, sought to heighten the studentsâ critical thinking and expose them to techniques for organizing their ideas and presenting strong, logical arguments in their essay writing. It also was designed to give students the opportunity to exchange ideas and increase their understanding of ECCU economic issues, challenges and opportunities and their role in national and regional development.
In presenting their arguments in favour of the topic: âA debt free society adds no value to the economyâ, the students of the St Vincent Girlsâ High School noted that if the projects for which debts were incurred did not increase the countryâs productive capacity significantly, such debt would hinder rather than increase economic growth. On the other hand, the students of the Clare Hall Secondary School, Antigua and Barbuda were of the view that a country could not grow its economy without incurring debt and highlighted some of the infrastructural developments and positive spin-off effects that resulted from countries contracting debt.
The other debate topic was: Young people have a critical role to play in the growth and development of the OECS countries. The proponents, who represented the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, Anguilla and the Gingerland Secondary School in St Kitts and Nevis, outlined some of the areas where young people can have a positive impact on the OECS economies. The opponents, the students of the Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School, Saint Lucia, strongly believed that young people did not possess the experience or the power to influence growth and developmental policies.
- What viable steps should OECS countries take to stimulate their economies and significantly reduce their national debts?
- Â Discuss the role of young people in shaping the future of the OECS countries.
The deadline for submitting the essays is March 30.
Comments
