Students who took part in the inaugural Primary Schools Youth Parliament in Carriacou debated the motion, “Be it resolved that, as of 2 September 2024, the first day of the Michaelmas term, in all primary schools in the state of Grenada, corporal punishment shall be abolished.”
The event was held at the Carriacou Health Services Conference Room and organised by the Division of Youth in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government.
Schools Youth Parliament in Carriacou. Photo: Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs
In supporting the motion, the government’s side led by Prime Minister Hon. Miracle McNeil, noted that corporal punishment has made students less interested in school and creates a level of fear. McNeil and his team further argued that the removal of corporal punishment would make schools safer.
However, the opposition side, guided by their leader Hon. Kayla Mathurine said that corporal punishment should not be abolished in schools, pointing to the need for control within the school system. Corporal punishment, they added, also acts as a form of guidance and teaches students the need to have respect for authority.
At the conclusion of the discussion, Kennis Boatswain of the opposition was deemed the overall best debater and Kisheala Allert the best debater on the government side. Former youth parliamentarian and Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government Hon. Tevin Andrews provided support to the students. He claimed that the legislative exercise helps young people advance to become the tri-island state’s future leaders.
Also attending the debate were Permanent Secretary Javan Williams, Area Education Officer Rosalina Patrice-Lendore, and Special Education Officer Lynette Isaac.
Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs
