Students from Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu were selected through national competitions. Fiji, a newcomer to the competition, was represented by students from Sangam Secondary College, Nadi. Unfortunately, at the last minute, the PNG team were unable to travel, but the gap was filled by a number of ‘All Star’ teams competing against the national representatives.

In a captivating series of debates, teams tackled a host of front-page issues including: governing systems, climate change, poverty, international diplomacy, and peacekeeping.

GRAND FINAL:   SOLOMON ISLANDS v VANUATU
Motion:  Melanesia must globalise to succeed
Adjudicators:  Sofia Shah, Christina Bare-Karae, Talita Tu’ipulotu, Sarah Mecartney
Winner:  Vanuatu   Best Speaker : Jonathan Guyant (VUT)

Read the transcript of Jonathan Guyant’s presentation

RUNNERS-UP FINAL:   FIJI v USP ALL STARS
Motion:  Melanesian countries should forge stronger ties with Asian Neighbours
Adjudicators:  Ralph Regenvanu, Wilson Toa, Linnes Tarianga, Francis Herman
Winner:  Fiji    Best Speaker:  Jesse Langonilakeba (USP)

Listen to the audio broadcast

ROUND 5:   SOLOMON ISLANDS v FIJI
Motion:  Poverty is increasing in Melanesia
Adjudicators:  Linnes Tarianga, Sarah Mecartney, Derek Brien
Winner:  Solomon Islands    Best Speaker:  Tanya Wickham (SLB)

ROUND 4:   FIJI v VANUATU
Motion:   Melanesian countries benefit from sending peacekeepers to international conflict zones
Adjudicators:  Paul Nalau, Francis Herman, Josiana Jackson
Winner:  Vanuatu    Best Speaker:  Aleesha Kalsrap (VUT)

ROUND 3:  VANUATU v MELANESIAN ALL STARS
Motion: Melanesian countries should serve as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council
Adjudicators:  Linnes Tarianga, Jen Bowtell, Arthur Faerua
Winner:  Vanuatu    Best Speaker:  Patisha Wite (All Stars)

ROUND 2:  VANUATU ALL STARS v FIJI
Motion:  Melanesian countries should accept climate refugees from other Pacific island countries
Adjudicators:  Derek Brien, Talita Tu’ipulotu, Lora Lini
Winner:  Fiji    Best Speaker:  Patrick Lal (FJI)

ROUND 1:  SOLOMON ISLANDS v VANUATU
Motion:  The Westminster system of governance is incompatible with Melanesian kastom
Adjudicators:  Sarah Mecartney, Paul Nalau, Sofia Shah
Winner:  Solomon Islands    Best Speaker:  John Firbo (SBL)

Overall, it was Tanya Wickham of Solomon Islands who was presented with the competition Best Speaker award, with her ability to eloquently rebut any point put forward by her opposition. William Natiko of Vanuatu was awarded the Most Improved, showing significant progression over the course of the competition. Patrick Lal from Fiji came away with the People’s Choice award, thanks to his charming and dramatic style of presentation that never failed to entertain. All three prizes were kindly sponsored by Vanuatu Copra and Cocoa Exports who supported our young leaders with a new tablet to assist them in their future research and learning. The debates were streamed live (via You Tube) thanks to the Vanuatu Government’s Office of the Chief Information Officer. The venue was provided by the Vanuatu National Provident Fund.

The debates were not the only benefits of the competition. A series of activites were designed to promote fraternity and cultural exchange. Teams enjoyed Vanuatu’s international, big screen hit Tanna at Tana Cine, as well as visits to the Secret Garden, Mele Cascades, and the Mele Beach Bar where they witnessed the world famous Vanua Fire show. Asco Motors generously provided their community bus to transport teams to all the events.

Plans are unfolding to expand the event in future years, with the hope of including teams from the Melanesian territories of New Caledonia and West Papua. Sub-regional competitions for Polynesia and Micronesia are also being considered with the view to holding an annual Pacific final.

To stay in touch with all the latest, follow the Melanesian School Debate Facebook page.

The inaugural event was hosted at the Moresby Arts Theatre by the Institute of Business Studies, with support from the Department of National Planning and Monitoring.

Team PNG comprised students selected from the best speakers of the IBS National School Debate, including: Lucy Kangol (Utu Secondary), Emilyn White (Notre Dame Secondary School), Sharjeen Kua (Port Moresby International School), Michael Komba (Highlands Lutheran International School), Jeremiah Panapen (Coronation College) and Samuel Kavop (Port Moresby International School).

The Solomon Islands team were supported through the UNDP Parliamentary Strengthening Project and the Solomon Islands Government. Students were selected from the National Speech Competition held in September 2014, and included: Tanya Wickham (Saint Nicholas), Jessica Parapolo (KG Sixth School), Denmark Pahu (Betikama Adventist College) and Isaac Barley (Selwyn College).

Team Vanuatu were selected through the Vanuatu School Debate Competition hosted by the Pacific Institute of Public Policy, which funded the participation of the national team with additional financial and logistical support from National Bank Vanuatu, ANZ Bank, Asco Motors, Vanuatu National Provident Fund and Ridgeway Blake Lawyers. Team Vanuatu included: Alice James (Lycée Louis Antoine de Bougainville), Georgilla Worworbu (Port Vila International School), George Worworbu (Onesua Presbyterian College), Joel Johnson (Onesua Presbyterian College), Constance Wei (Port Vila International School), Kyla Miras (Malapoa College).

The week long programme gave rise to a series of inspiring debates, covering a range of important regional policy issues.

Round 1: Vanuatu vs Solomon Islands
All customary land in Melanesia should be registered to ensure sustainable development and economic growth

Round 2: Vanuatu vs PNG
Donors should decide how Pacific Island countries spend their money

Round 3: PNG vs Solomon Islands
It is fair for Australia to negotiate with Pacific island countries to host asylum seekers

Final: PNG vs Solomon Islands
Natural resource extraction in the Pacific Island countries has led to immense wealth for its people

In the end it was the home team of PNG that took the inaugural champions shield.

Participants also engaged in a range of cultural and learning activities, including scheduled visits to Port Moresby landmarks including; the National Parliament, the National Museum, Botanic Gardens, and a visit to the recording of the Tainim Graun talkback show.

The Pacific Institute of Public Policy was nominated to host the 2015 competition in Port Vila, and will work in partnership with Vanuatu’s Ministry of Education and Training to expand on the success of this year’s event.