Grenada’s educational landscape witnessed an extraordinary display of youthful intellect as the 2025 IMA Grenada/SPYO Primary School Debate Competition concluded with resounding success. The landmark event, orchestrated through a strategic collaboration between St Patrick’s Youth Organisation and the Investment Migration Agency Grenada, culminated in a grand finale at the GBSS Auditorium on December 3, 2025.
Nineteen primary institutions from four parishes—St Patrick, St John, St Andrew, and St David—engaged in multiple rigorous debate rounds spanning several weeks. The competition’s framework, built upon the visionary theme “Empowering the Future: Youth Leadership as the Key to Nation Building,” challenged participants to articulate sophisticated perspectives on sustainable development, youth governance, artificial intelligence, and national leadership.
The championship round featured a compelling resolution: “Be it resolved that Grenada should focus primarily on strengthening its partnerships with African countries for cultural exchange and sustainable development.” After intense deliberation, St Patrick’s RC School claimed the championship title with 1,264 points, securing a $6,000 prize. St John’s Anglican School followed closely with 1,226 points, earning $4,000, while River Sallee Government School captured third place with a $3,000 award.
Individual excellence shone through Xana Fraser of St Patrick’s RC School, who received the Best Debater honor for her exceptional clarity and persuasive delivery. Nathan Olive, from the same institution, garnered the Best Rebutter award for his analytical prowess and comprehensive understanding of complex issues.
Rea Burke, Marketing and Communication Officer at IMA Grenada, emphasized the transformative nature of the initiative: “We are not just sponsoring an event, we are shaping futures, creating opportunities and nurturing a generation who will become the leaders, thinkers and innovators of tomorrow.”
Karena Noel, Vice President of SPYO, praised participants’ courage and intellectual determination, noting that all competitors had already achieved remarkable accomplishments regardless of final rankings.
The closing ceremony featured special remarks from Honourable Joseph Andall, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade & Export Development, who invoked Nelson Mandela’s wisdom: “You’re either a winner or a learner,” encouraging students to value participation above all.
The event’s success was made possible through support from Rubis Caribbean, Grenada Cooperative Bank, Republic Bank Grenada Limited, Glenelg Spring Water, True Blue Bay Resort, and the National Lotteries Authority. Organizers extended gratitude to teachers, parents, coaches, adjudicators, and volunteers whose dedication proved instrumental in fostering academic excellence and leadership development across Grenada.