Grenlec Debates Set to Return this Year

The Grenada Electricity Services Ltd. (Grenlec) along with other partners are currently preparing to host the 2023 Grenlec Debates.

A National project, the Grenlec Debates are instrumental in bringing together the schools, the educators, the public and private sector, the general public and the media. In fact, the involvement of all these partners is what has ensured the success of this programme over the years.

Open to every secondary school in Grenada and Carriacou, the Debates are an important arena for the students as participation in the exercise broadens their knowledge and hones their teamwork, research, and organisational skills.

After a four-year break, the Debates will resume in the next school term.

The suspension in the Debates resulted from the labour dispute in the education sector, immediately followed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Preparation for the 2023 edition, started in 2022 with discussions with schools, and training for debate coaches and debaters.

The Grenlec Debates grew out of a debating competition conceptualised by the Media Workers’ Association of Grenada (MWAG). Initially a sponsor, Grenlec took the Debates on as a flagship programme in 2009.

The 2023 edition of the Grenlec Debates will commence in September.

Background Notes:

Following its adoption by Grenlec, the Debates have become an integral part of our society, impacting the lives of hundreds of students, through the provision of a platform for public speaking and an opportunity to explore a variety of issues concerning the nation, the region, and the world.

This exploration of issues has a spillover effect in that it affords the viewing audience an opportunity to become more informed.

In addition to the teaching staff at the various secondary schools, the Debates are staunchly supported by families and communities – as the contest runs its course and they back their favourite schools and debaters.

The last round of the Grenlec Debates was held in 2018.