JPEMSS hosts inter-house public speaking competition

“Loud music should be banned from public transportation.” 

This topic was debated amongst fourth form students of the Dr JP Eustace Memorial Secondary School last Friday, March 16, as the English and Modern Languages Department hosted an inter-house public speaking competition. 

The purpose of the com–petition was to increase camaraderie among the houses, while allowing students an opportunity to express their views on topics of interest to them and their peers. 

The four competitors all took the position that loud music in public transportation should be banned, citing, among other points, the health hazards passengers are exposed to and the negative impact of lewd and violent lyrics on students performance in school. 

The top prize was awarded to Desra DaSilva of Staff House. She placed second in the impromptu segment with the topic ‘What makes a good teacher.’ Second place and best impromptu speech went to Aaliyah Brackin of Past Students House, who spoke on the topic ‘Do you think suspensions are effective at the school?’

Shanika Francois of Eustace House placed 3rd; her impromptu topic was ‘Homework.’ Fourth place was Leanna Gibbs of Directors House, whose impromptu speech topic was ‘Social Media.’

All participants were awarded trophies and other prizes which were sponsored by Ronel Edwards, Dr. Junior Ackie, Maurice John and Andrew DaSilva.

The judges were retired teacher Margaret Soleyn, deputy principal of the Bishop’s College Kingstown Dr Resa Noel and social worker at the school Taja Cupid.