Inter-school debate hailed a success

The winning team from the School of Management and Public Administration scooped the Faculty of Business and Economics inter-school debate trophy last week. Picture: JOELI BILI

By JOELI BILI

The University of the South Pacific’s School of Management and Public Administration (SMPA) has successfully retained the 2018 Annual Faculty of Business and Economics inter-school debate trophy.

The SMPA side narrowly beat the School of Economics Team 1 last week on the topic, “Plastics must be banned in the Pacific Island countries”.

Chief judge Jacqueline Speight. Picture: JOELI BILI

Judging by the success of the debate final, chief judge Jacqueline Speight said she was honoured to be part of the many that witnessed the grand finale.

“The amount of talent that these students possess, I hope to see some of them in the near future in some of our big offices because they have what it takes, they speak so well and they have great diction,” the digital media officer for FBC News shared.

“All in all, congratulations to USP for hosting another successful final. They need to encourage more of this. It’s just wonderful to see students come together and speak on topics that they are extremely passionate about and to share information.”

The awards for best debaters were given to the final speakers from the two teams.

Lanieta More was awarded the best debater from the Management Team while Zakiyyah Ali received the best debater award from the Economics Team.

An elated More said teamwork and support were key to their victory.

“We knew it was a tough one but we managed to pull through. We are still letting it sink in that we won the finals,” said the law and management student.

“All our lectures and tutors came on board and they were just scrutinizing us. We wouldn’t have won if it wasn’t for teamwork.”

Meanwhile, Ali said the journey was a learning experience from her.

“One of the things I appreciate about the Faculty of Business and Economics debates is that they always choose topics which are relevant to our Pacific context,” said the commerce and law student.

“That’s one of my favorite things about debating. We get to learn so much when we’re researching.

“In terms of public speaking, I think it has definitely made me a more confident person. I think my next step for now is to train and mentor more students.”

* Joeli Bili is a second-year journalism student at The University of the South Pacific in Suva.

Lanieta More receives her award from Suva lawyer Richard Naidu for best debater from the Management Team. Picture: JOELI BILI