Mackenzie High School wins J.O.F Haynes Memorial Secondary School Debating Competition

Mackenzie High School of Region 10 has been declared the overall winner of the 2025–2026 J.O.F. Haynes Memorial Secondary Schools Debating Competition, following the grand finale held on June 12, 2026, at the St. Rose’s High School Auditorium.

In the final round, Mackenzie High School faced off against Region 7’s Three Miles Secondary School, with Mackenzie representing the Opposition and Three Miles defending the Proposition.

Mackenzie High School’s team comprised First Speaker, Nephlyah Farrel; Second Speaker, Tahir Gomes; and Third Speaker, Rhea Persaud. Three Miles Secondary School’s team comprised First Speaker, Richard Mohabeer; Second Speaker, Mia Shanks; and Third Speaker, Bhavani Sieucharran.

The students debated the socio-economic moot: “Be it resolved that implementing a Universal Basic Income from oil revenues is the most effective way to eliminate poverty in Guyana.”

After a competitive and thought-provoking exchange, Mackenzie High School emerged victorious, while Three Miles Secondary School secured second place. Both schools were presented with official plaques in recognition of their outstanding performances. Nephlyah Farrel of Mackenzie High School was adjudged Best Debater.

In addition to the plaques, all debaters from both finalist teams, along with their teachers and coaches, received gift vouchers. The debaters were also awarded cellphones, accessories, and stationery in recognition of their hard work, discipline, and commitment throughout the competition.

The 2025–2026 competition was officially launched on April 28, 2026, at the NCERD Auditorium by the Ministry of Education’s Secondary Sector. The opening debate featured Mackenzie High School and North Ruimveldt Secondary School, with students examining whether the Safe Road Intelligent System is a more effective deterrent for traffic accidents in Guyana than physical police presence. Mackenzie High School won the inaugural matchup.

Round One began on April 29, 2026, with schools debating whether Guyanese secondary schools should replace traditional textbooks with mandatory digital tablets. Annai Secondary, New Amsterdam Secondary, Three Miles Secondary, and Santa Rosa Secondary advanced from that round, while West Demerara Secondary moved forward after drawing a bye.

The competition intensified in Round Two on May 13, 2026, when students debated whether the shift towards Smart Classrooms in Guyana creates a digital divide that outweighs the benefits of educational modernisation. West Demerara Secondary, Three Miles Secondary, and Mackenzie High School won their respective matchups and advanced to the next stage.

By Round Three, held on May 29, 2026, the tournament had narrowed further. Mackenzie High School secured an away victory over West Demerara Secondary during a debate on whether social media is the primary factor responsible for the erosion of traditional Guyanese culture and values. Three Miles Secondary School advanced to the final after drawing the official bye.

Throughout the competition, judges used a revised Ministry of Education debating scoresheet to assess students across four main categories: Content, Style, Organisation, and Rebuttal. The updated scoresheet also included areas such as thesis link, citation, audience engagement, enunciation, and the validity of rebuttal arguments.

Following the conclusion of the tournament, the Ministry of Education’s Secondary Sector will continue to facilitate training for students and coaches, with particular emphasis on strengthening rebuttal development and delivery. Training will also continue for judges to support objectivity, consistency, and professionalism in future debates.