The return of the National Secondary Schools Debate Competition will help cultivate the next generation of leaders while creating pathways to internships and future employment opportunities.
This was the view expressed by Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath and Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Dr Roodal Moonilal at Tuesday’s launch of the competition.
Minister Padarath said the competition will help develop future leaders, noting that many Parliamentarians began their journeys through similar programmes.
“These programmes are meant to mould our young people, provide them with a platform, yes, but also, more importantly, what it does is it help to churn out the future leaders of Trinidad and Tobago.”
In addition to the return of the national debate, Minister Padarath announced the launch of a National Secondary Schools Public Speaking Competition through the Ministry of Public Utilities and Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT), providing more opportunities for young people to develop their public speaking skills.
“Whether it’s in the Parliament, whether it’s in politics, regardless of the sphere that one may find themselves in, this platform gives you the opportunity to contribute towards nation building, professional development, but also tackling critical issues that impact not only the social sector but every facet of national and international life.”
Minister Padarath also noted that the Government plans on expanding internships, scholarships and other merit-based opportunities to ensure young people gain the experience and support needed to succeed in the workforce.
Meanwhile, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Dr Roodal Moonilal provided some practical debating tips to future leaders, urging them to focus on preparation, research and respectful argument.
“When you are in your church, in your mosque, in your temple, and the priest, the pundit, the imam, or whoever tells you, ‘Look, say something, make a small speech on something’, you must grab the opportunity. If there’s a birthday party in your family, an anniversary, well, God forbid a funeral too, and they ask you to say something, you must say yes.”
For both Ministers Padarath and Moonilal, the competition represents a platform for future leaders to sharpen their communication skills and build the confidence needed to succeed in their future careers.