The Bygeval Secondary School emerged winner of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Public Speaking Competition hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in observance of World Standards Day (WSD) 2024. The competition sought to promote awareness on the use and importance of standards to school-aged children, building a foundation for the inclusion of standards in their choices throughout adolescence and adulthood.
The competition was hosted in Region Five (Mahaica – Berbice) for participating schools Rosignol Secondary, Fort Wellington Secondary, and the host school Bygeval Secondary. Bush Lot Secondary and Mahaicony Secondary were also invited to participate in the competition but did not show up. Two students from each school were given questions in advance to research ahead of the competition and five minutes to speak on the assigned topic. The judging criteria included relevance to the assigned topic, use of examples, pronunciation/enunciation, delivery, grammar and adherence to the time limit.
The Region Five Department of Education was represented by the Head Teacher of Bygeval Secondary School, Lorrie Lee Farley. In her brief remarks, she told the participants that “public speaking is a skill…it is one of the most important tools you will take with you into the future and whether you’re leading a team, you’re advocating for change or you’re simply sharing your personal story, you are practicing a skill that will serve you in countless ways in your life.”
Head of Corporate Communications at the GNBS, Lloyd David extended gratitude to the Ministry of Education for their support and lauded the students for taking this step to improve their all-rounded performance. He reminded those present that “preparation is key” ahead of every activity.
The winning school was awarded a trophy and a Gift Voucher valuing $30,000 while Rosignol Secondary which came in second was awarded a trophy and a $20,000 Gift Voucher. Third place went to Fort Wellington Secondary school which received a trophy while the best performing student Lashon Samuels of Bygeval Secondary received a laptop computer from the GNBS.
Samuels was asked to explain what it means to construct energy efficient buildings and how standards can help to build such structures for residential and commercial use. In her response, she provided thorough examples of energy efficient buildings across the world and how they have contributed to efficiency, a better environment and improved quality of life.
In an invited comment, Samuels lauded the initiative and noted that the competition helps to develop much needed public speaking skills among adolescents. “I feel very excited to win this competition. I was nervous and public speaking is not easy but it we went up and did our best,” she said.
The theme for World Standards Day (WSD) 2024 is “Shared Vision for a Better World: Spotlight on SDG 9” which addresses resilient infrastructure, inclusive and sustainable industrialization and innovation. Surrounding WSD, the GNBS observes National Quality Week (NQW) to recognise and promote awareness on standards.
The GNBS has a list of activities planned for the remainder of National Quality Week including a ‘Made in Guyana’ video campaign aimed at promoting locally manufactured products certified by the GNBS, and a ‘Like and Share’ social media campaign to create awareness on standards and quality. Further, the GNBS Corporate Communications and Marketing Departments will share information via newspapers, radio, television and social media to promote inclusion in the activities. The week of activities culminates with the GNBS’ Long Serving Awards ceremony where employees who have been with the Bureau for five, ten, fifteen, twenty and twenty-five years will be awarded for their longevity with the Standards Body. This year, a total of eighteen employees will be awarded for their commitment to the Bureau and Standardisation.
