Champions - end of debate!

... Young debaters argue their way to victory

It's easy to forget that they're just children when Jemarc Walters, Adrian Brown and Xavier Brown start speaking. Their ability to discuss complex issues like economics, crime and social welfare is impressive and, more importantly, is being put to good use.

Jemarc, Adrian and Xavier are members of Sts Peter and Paul Prep School's debate team that recently won the 2011 Junior Debating International Competition. It's a great start for three boys who plan to pursue careers in law.

"I love to argue," said a smiling Jemarc. "Debating comes naturally." The final face-off in the competition put the boys from Sts Peter and Paul Prep against a strong team from Manchester's Albion Primary School.

"They had a very good team," said Adrian.

The moot for the finals was 'Poverty is the main cause of crime'. Jemarc, Adrian and Xavier had the task of opposing.

"We were prepared. We did a lot of research, so we were ready," Xavier said. And that they were. Armed with statistics and references, the three boys raised issues such as the high rates of crime in wealthy nations like the United States and parts of Europe to help argue their case. In the end, the judges of the competition, Chief Justice Zaila MaCalla, Justice Gloria Smith and Justice Paulette Williams decided the case was made and named the boys from Sts Peter and Paul Prep winners. Jemarc also won the 'Best Debater Award.'

Coach of the team, Gillette DePass, said she couldn't be happier.

"These boys put in the work and have reaped the success they deserve. They really rallied for this. I'm so proud," she said.

When asked about their parents' reaction to their victory, the boys beamed.

"They are very happy," said Adrian.

But their success in the debate competition is only part of the good news these boys have received in recent days. When GSAT results were released last week, all three got great news. They all scored averages in the high 90s and all three gained positions at Campion College.

"We're going to continue to work hard, that's the plan," said Adrian. Xavier and Jemarc were no less focused. "We're going to join the debate club at Campion and bring home trophies for them too," said a smiling Xavier. "Maybe one for every year of school. That's seven trophies." With their record of success, it would be hard to argue with that.