Cheers erupted on the AC Lodge by Marriott Kingston because the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining was topped champion of the 2025 Public Sector Debate Competitors on Thursday (July 10).
The crew triumphed over the Ministry of Tourism by a 17-point margin, compellingly debating the movement ‘Be it resolved that addressing psychological well being challenges requires societal reform greater than particular person remedy’.
The Agriculture Ministry claimed the champion’s trophy and greater than $900,000 in prizes, together with a $575,000 money award and particular person trophies.
Crew Captain Andrae Bogle was named Finest Speaker within the ultimate match, incomes a trophy and a $30,000 money prize.
He additionally earned the sectional prize for Most Priceless Debater, and will likely be a part of Jamaica’s Delegation to the eightieth Session of the United Nations Basic Meeting in New York.
The Tourism Ministry earned the primary runner-up prize bundle valued over $700,000, together with of a $425,000 money award.
Within the third-place playoff, the Judiciary of Jamaica emerged victorious over the Nationwide Irrigation Fee (NIC), capturing a $275,000 money prize.
The NIC acquired a $200,000 prize bundle for fourth place.
Sectional prizes have been awarded for the Most Improved Crew – Jamaica Nationwide Heritage Belief (JNHT), and on-line ‘Fan Favorite’ – Judiciary of Jamaica.
The Water Assets Authority (WRA) acquired prizes for being adjudged the Most Engaged Crew, and exhibiting Finest Teamwork.
In the meantime, the Instructing Service gained the ‘Early Hen Prize’ for being the primary crew to register for the competitors.
Now in its fourth yr, the Public Sector Debate Competitors is spearheaded by the Transformation Implementation Unit (TIU), in partnership with the Jamaican Affiliation for Debating and Empowerment Restricted (JADE).
It goals to offer a platform for presidency officers to share their views and ignite a spirit of engagement, fostering a extra inclusive strategy to public-sector transformation.
TIU Govt Director, Maria Thompson Walters, stated it has been rewarding to witness the return of seasoned groups—and much more gratifying to welcome new faces into the competitors.
She famous that Thursday’s finals featured three first-time rivals, including “this tells me that individuals will not be simply vested in competing however they’re vested in exhibiting off their skills”.
Mrs. Thompson Walters stated the Authorities has been advancing public-sector transformation for the previous six years, and highlighted the rising enthusiasm sparked by the talk competitors.
“It does strengthen our resolve that we’re, certainly, pulling the general public sector nearer collectively and that we’re all vested in seeing higher for our public sector,” she said.
