Finalists named for Pontification and Poetry competition

he finalists for the second edition of the Ministry of Education Technological and Vocational Training (METVT) Pontification and Poetry competition have been revealed, with organisers promising an exciting event this year, featuring new special awards and cash prizes.

 

During a media briefing held at the CBC studios in the Pine, St Michael, Senior Education Officer, Curriculum Section, at the Ministry of Education, Dr Denise Charles said all was set for this year’s event.

 

Pontification and Poetry is an oratorical showcase featuring prepared speeches and poetry, first launched in 2023 to celebrate Education Month. The competition is open to all public and private primary and secondary schools. The preliminaries, which concluded on October 4, involved participants submitting their entries via video to the Ministry of Education.

 

“Pontification and Poetry is not merely a competition, it is a vital platform that embodies our commitment to transforming education in Barbados and nurturing the potential of every child,” Charles said. “Language is the cornerstone of communication and understanding. As we celebrate the finalists of this competition, we recognise the importance of fostering an environment where children can explore the richness of language, hone their oratorical skills and articulate their views with clarity and passion.”

 

She pointed out that developing strong oratory skills from a young age will not only help students secure traditional jobs but open up opportunities in emerging fields, particularly in social media.

 

“We are aware that very often social media gets a very bad rap, but do you know that doing research, curating or compiling information, then writing and communicating this information creatively, are all powerful 21st-century real-world skills that many successful social media influencers possess?

 

“Perhaps one day you may want to be one, or you may want to be a teacher, politician, preacher, some other type of media personality, the possibilities are endless. Activities like Pontification and Poetry are great for building self-confidence, even as they provide opportunities for you, the students, to develop your own student voice as you advocate and speak to those issues you feel very strongly about,” the education officer said.

 

One of the key sponsors this year, the Barbados Olympics Association (BOA), will be offering special awards for students who speak about the importance of sports in education in their pieces.

 

General Manager Glyne Clarke said his organisation was pleased to be a part of the event this year, noting the importance of supporting young students in developing their orator skills.

 

“We believe it’s more than a competition; we believe it’s a celebration of creativity, expression, and the power of words,” he said. “Our partnership underscores the shared commitment to nurturing the tablets and voices of our young people. Our NOC [National Organising Committee] is dedicated to fostering excellence in all areas, not just in sports, but also in personal and academic development. By partnering with the ministry and other partners, we aim to provide a unique opportunity for students to develop their oratory and poetic skills, which are essential for effective communication and leadership.”

 

The finalists for this year’s competition are, in the primary poetry section: Aniya Legall from St Paul’s Primary; Cayden Reid from Milton Lynch Primary; Domini Gaskin from Good Shepherd Primary; Elishan Bowen from Selah Primary; Ethan Weekes from Reynold Weekes Primary; Jada Prescod-Nurse and Josiah Duesbury from Charles F Broome Memorial; Jordyn Callender and Shaniya Moise from Christ Church Girls’ School; Kristiano McConney and Saniya Vanterpoole from Wesley Hall Junior Primary; Norio Emanuel and Ra’jaysha Brathwaite from St Lawrence Primary; Rhema-Jae Greene from West Terrace Primary and Zyon Harper from St Bartholomew Primary.

 

Finalists in secondary juniors are: Brandon Rock and Diamond Prescott from Seventh Day Adventist School; Jaden Hunte from Harrison College; Jaylen Brewster-Howard from The St Michael School and Winter Barker-Yearwood from Combermere School. The seniors selected were Kehzion Hepburn-Murray from Queen’s College; Melanie Philips from The St Michael School; Talesa Boyce from Coleridge and Parry; Talisha Joseph from Combermere School; and Tin Frew from The Lodge School.

 

First-place winners in the primary school poetry section, the prepared speech contests for secondary school juniors, and senior students will each receive $1 000 and a laptop with a bag.

The finals of the competitions will be held on November 7 and 8 at a location to be disclosed.