Barrouallie student wins first TVET Public Speaking contest

by Eldonté Samuel

Kemelia Boyd, a level 1 Business Administration student at the Barrouallie Technical Institute, made history by becoming the first person to win the Technical Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) public speaking championship, when she defeated her three other opponents this week as they spoke on the topic: ‘Can TVET Digitisation enhance Youth Employability in St Vincent and the Grenadines?’

Kemelia Boyd receives her winning trophy from TVET Director Endal Johnson.

Boyd did a clean sweep of the main speech and impromptu category in the competition that was held at the Lecture Hall of The UWI St Vincent Global Campus on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

“It was a bit challenging because of sleepless nights and having to go through so much studying, researching and so on. It was very nerve-racking for me,” Boyd told SEARCHLIGHT after she was judged the competition’s first winner.

She expressed feeling scared throughout the competition, however, that did not stop her from being the most confident, and consistent participant in the competition.

“Sometimes you have to push yourself, put your best foot forward and tell yourself ‘I am number one.’ So that alone gave me enough confidence to stand here today.”

Boyd suspected that she would have been the winner after she swept both categories; and expressed feeling great about her achievement, becoming the first person, a woman, to win the competition, in a field dominated by men.

A calm Boyd during the impromptu round

“First ever public speaking competition and I am the winner? I feel great and honoured,” she declared.

In the impromptu round, Boyd remained calm as she spoke on the topic, ‘Skills training fosters entrepreneurial development’. In agreement, she championed for more training in TVET skills which will help foster more well-rounded individuals.

“Skills such as communication, leadership training- these improve your innovative thoughts and creativity where you can also help to structure your business, making it sustainable for the future,” Boyd voiced during the impromptu round.

She runs her own beauty business- Diva Ks Hair & Nails, located in Barrouallie. Boyd said she’s looking forward to extending her business, “…and making myself more marketable”.

Taking second place was electrical installation student, Calvert Cuffy, from the Kingstown Technical Institute; while Ezra Edwards, who is doing a food preparation course at the North Leeward Technical Institute came third.

Esther Simmons from the Campden Park Technical Institute was the other competitor. The Georgetown Technical Institute was also scheduled to compete, however the competitor was not able to attend.

All participants received a gift based on the course they are undertaking, as well as a certificate. The top three received trophies based on their rank.

Several persons, including instructors involved in delivering TVET subjects, also made remarks at the public speaking competition. It was part of a month of celebrations by the Ministry of Education in recognition of the importance of TVET training.