South schools win RBTT debate

The students debated the motion “be it resolved that respect for the diversity of cultures is the foundation for a peaceful and secure co-existence”.

Gasparillo Composite was represented by students Hayley Chittoo and Jeremy Mungaldeen who presented arguments agreeing with the motion.

They argued that by respecting the diversity of cultures, there would be a lack of war, illegal drugs, poverty and other social ills. They insisted that if there is care and consideration there will be a reduction of conflict.

They also used the example of Carnival here in Trinidad and Tobago to demonstrate cultural diversity transcending all races, religion and class and “promoting a peaceful co-existence.”

However the Cowen Hamilton students, Sarah Koonjan and Stefan Bramble as the opposing team, disagreed. They felt that Carnival was merely a coming together of people who liked to fete and “take a wine”, a cultural product used as a form of economic gain.

They felt too that some cultural practices were against basic human rights and therefore could not lead to peaceful and secure co-existence. From the start of the timer, as the Cowen Hamilton students presented their arguments, it was clear they would claim the RBTT cup. Not only were their arguments more appreciated by the audience, but their body language in making their points was also able to capture attention.

In announcing the results, the judges noted that the standard in this year’s debate was extremely high.

The RBTT great debate as it is called, began four years ago, said Suresh Sookoo, the group’s chief executive officer.

Forty-five schools participated in this year’s competition which began in January, with five rounds of debating. The semi-finalists were Trinity College and St Stephen’s College.

Sookoo in his address yesterday to students said the debate was “very intense and hotly contested”. He added that while the bank would continue in its programmes to build communities and the psyche of youths, as a nation and as individuals “we need to do much more to mend the fast decaying social fabric of the country”.

RBTT Trust Ltd general manager, Kavita Surat Singh, in her remarks said there was a surge in participation in this year’s event by new schools, and there was an increase in participation of schools from south and Tobago.