S.S.B. Opens Debate by Tertiary-Level Students on UNCAC

The first round of the National Tertiary Debate sponsored by the Social Security Board kicked off this morning in Belmopan at the George Price Center. In the morning session, Independence Junior College squared off with San Pedro Junior College, taking the first of four slots available in the semi-final round. News Five was on hand for this afternoon’s debate between Galen University, taking the affirmative position, and St. John’s College Junior College, arguing the negative position, on the subject of how the United Nations Convention Against Corruption will impact Belize’s social, economic and political position. Janice Eiley of the S.S.B. described the rationale behind the choice of topic.

Janice Eiley

Janice Eiley, Communications Officer, Social Security Board

“The argument is not so much as to whether it was a good thing or a bad thing to sign it; it’s looking forward – the agreement has already been signed; that decision has already been made; it’s to infer what that means for us as Belizeans. A lot of people do not understand the topic on a whole; do not even understand what the acronym means. So, it’s to get our young persons involved; knowledgeable on the topic. It’s the road ahead, not the road behind us, and whether you agree or disagree; it’s to look forward and make all of us as Belizeans who it will impact understand the topic.”

Tuesday’s matchups are Stann Creek Ecumenical Junior College versus Pope John Paul Junior College of Benque Viejo in the morning and Belize Adventist Junior College versus University of Belize in the afternoon. The semi-finals take place with different debate topics on March seventeenth in Belmopan, with the finale scheduled for March twenty-fourth in Belize City. Prizes will be on offer including a ten-thousand dollar award for top debater.