Members of the victorious Wolmer's debating team

WOLMER'S Boys emerged the champions over Munro College after an intense debate on the moot "Has the march of science gone too far?"

This heated war of words climaxed at the finals of the National Schools' Debating Competition held at the CPTC Studios on Arnold Road last Saturday.

Both teams were determined to win the competition and this was proven as they both made their presentations to show that the moot was on their side. They proved to the judges that they did in-depth research and had received the most accurate information they possibly could.

The moot, although a serious one, was somewhat hilarious at times with the contenders rebutting statements made by each other on the points that came forward. When an answer could not be afforded by one opponent, they simply responded with "point taken" which had the audience softly snapping their fingers or saying a quiet "yes" in support of the other team.

Wolmer's at one stage seemed a bit intimidated by their opponents but held out to the end to prove the various points they brought to the fore.

Munro's presentation had members of the audience convinced that they were going to be the champions. Their presenters were not only cool, calm and collected but also brought out strong points in support of their arguments.

When the time came for the judges' decision, you could hear a pin drop. Chief judge Gerry McDaniel, president of the International Association of Business Communicators, gave his synopsis of the competition overall.

"I must say the research was very good and the level of confidence in these young men was extremely good," he noted. "When I listened to these young men speak today it certainly goes against the myth that Jamaican man caa talk", he added.

Prizes were handed out to the winning team and the second place team, as well as prizes to the semi finalist schools St Mary's High and St Catherine High Schools. Some of the prizes included school computers, a prize trip to the Caribbean, trophies, plaques and others.

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