GRENLEC Inter-Secondary School
Debating Competition
(The GRENLEC Debates)
Handbook
GRENLEC Debates HANDBOOK
Welcome
Grenada Electricity Services Ltd. (GRENLEC) is delighted that you have made the
decision to participate in the GRENLEC Debates. We see these debates as
fundamental tool for broadening the intellectual capital of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit
Martinique.
Congratulations to our debaters on your selection to represent your school. Please
grasp the opportunity to contribute to your development and that of your development of
your community through your research and discourse. We hope this forum enables you
to grow, hone and demonstrate fundamental life skills. You should become skilled at
conducting and analysing research, thinking critically and communicating effectively on
your feet.
We are grateful for the collaboration of the Ministry of Education, schools, educators,
our dedicated volunteer judges and other stakeholders. You enhance the experience of
participants and the value to our audience.
The GRENLEC Debates begin during the final week of September and culminate
around the third week of November. We view it as significant that many of our schools
have formed debating and public speaking clubs that operate throughout the year with
broad memberships. The life-long benefits of broadening participation in these activities
are numerous. Debating engages students in a range of activities that contribute to
their personal and academic development. The reports from our partner schools attest
to the strong performances of our debaters and we commend you.
We look forward to our engagement with you for what we anticipate will be another
engaging series of debates on important issues affecting our nation.
In the GRENLEC Debate, if your research is sound, if you take the time to prepare, if
you work together, and if you strive to improve each time, you are a winner.
Please accept our best wishes as you endeavour to meet and exceed the challenges
presented through this initiative.
Charter
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To revive debating throughout Grenada
To encourage excellence in research and public speaking
To promote respect for differing perspectives
To promote interest in national and international matters
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GRENLEC Debates HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. About the GISSDC ................................................................................................... 4
2. About GRENLEC ....................................................................................................... 4
3. Organisation of the GRENLEC Debates .............................................................. 5
3.1 Selection of Teams ................................................................................................................ 5
3.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 5
3.3 Judges .................................................................................................................................... 6
3.4 Responsibilities ..................................................................................................................... 6
4.
Code of Conduct .................................................................................................... 7
5.
Guidelines for the Debate .................................................................................. 11
5.1 Summary Skills of Good Debaters ..................................................................................... 11
5.2 Definition and Cases ........................................................................................................... 12
5.3 The Role of the Speakers .................................................................................................... 13
5.4 Seating Arrangement........................................................................................................... 15
6.
Appendices ............................................................................................................ 16
6.1 Timekeepers’ Guide ............................................................................................................ 17
6.2 Judges Score Sheet ......................................................................................................... 18
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GRENLEC Debates HANDBOOK
1. About the GISSDC
The GRENLEC Debates are a national championship open to all secondary schools in
the tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique. The competition evolved
from an initiative developed by the Media Workers’ Association of Grenada (MWAG) in
1996 and 1997 and sponsored by GRENLEC. In 2008, the Grenada Electricity Services
Ltd. (GRENLEC) took ownership of the project as the focus of its educational thrust.
GRENLEC manages and sponsors the initiative as an annual activity.
MWAG continues to provide valuable support in the planning and execution of the
project, which has the full endorsement of the Ministry of Education and the support of
the Association of Secondary School Principals. Civil society and the private sector are
also actively involved, through representation on the Resolutions Committee and the
Judging Panel.
2. About GRENLEC
The Grenada Electricity Services Ltd. (GRENLEC) is the sole provider of electricity to
the state of Grenada, comprised of the islands of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit
Martinique. The Company provides integrated services of generation, transmission and
distribution.
WRB Enterprises of Tampa, Florida owns 50% of the issued ordinary share capital of
the Company. Together, the Government of Grenada and the National Insurance
Scheme own 21%, employees 4.5% and the remaining 24.5% is owned by
approximately 1600 national, regional and international investors.
GRENLEC serves more than 40,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers
through a workforce of more than 200 employees. The Company owns and operates
one main generating station in Grenada with an installed capacity of 39MW, a 1.920MW
station in Carriacou and a 483KW station in Petit Martinique.
The company is also actively exploring the potential for harnessing renewable energy
sources. The approach is to diversify energy sources through a customer renewable
energy interconnection programme and a variety of renewable technologies, including
wind, solar and geothermal energy.
2007 - GRENLEC established the customer interconnection programme (1%
generation).
2012 – Sod-turning for Carriacou Wind Project (jointly funded by GRENLEC and
Government of Grenada with a grant from the European Union).
2013 – Rooftop solar projects being implemented in Grenada
- Solar system being installed to assist with generation in Petit Martinique.
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GRENLEC Debates HANDBOOK
3. Organisation of the GRENLEC Debates

All secondary schools are invited to participate.

The first round is a preliminary round. The most recent GRENLEC Debating
Champion automatically qualifies for the second round (Round of Sixteen),
except when there is an even number of schools participating.

Matches and topics are decided by random draw.

The winners of each preliminary match progress to the Round of Sixteen.
Thereafter, the sixteen team required for the second round will be constituted
based on the highest scores of the remaining schools.

The Round of Sixteen, Quarterfinals and Semi-finals are all knockout rounds.
3.1 Selection of Teams
Teams consist of six (6) team members, constituted by schools, in accordance with
the following guidelines:
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No more than three fifth-form students.
Teams must submit a list of all team members and contact information before
the start of the competition.
The composition of the team cannot be modified, at any point, after the start of
the first debate in which a team participates each season.
3.2 Training

Schools are encouraged to avail themselves of the opportunities for support
through membership in the GRENLEC Debating and Public Speaking Society.

An orientation session will be held for trainers/coaches and debaters from each
participating school before the start of the competition.
 Each school may have two (2) official coaches who are responsible for
preparing and supervising teams. Schools are encouraged to seek the
assistance of other people, who are considered consultants.
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3.3 Judges
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All debates are judged by minimum of three judges.
Coaches and consultants do not serve as judges.
3.4 Responsibilities
Teams must be present at the time they are invited to be seated for their debate, or
be disqualified. Teams are expected to arrive at least 30 minutes before the
scheduled start of the first debate of the day.
Home Team
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Prepare suitable hall in advance to stage the debate and assist event planners
with setup.
Team must be accompanied by at least one coach, who takes responsibility for
debaters and other students.
Seating arrangements must be made for the following:
– Debaters
– Judges
– Officials
– Chairperson
– 2 Timekeepers
– Audience
Appoint a chairperson.
Select a timekeeper.
Provide room temperature water for debaters, judges and officials.
Report any concerns to the event manager.
Visiting Team
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Team must be accompanied by at least one coach, who takes responsibility for
debaters and other students.
Select a timekeeper.
Report any concerns to the event manager.
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GRENLEC Debates HANDBOOK
Transportation
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GRENLEC covers the cost (within reason) of transporting the team and
coaches of each visiting team on their assigned debate day. We urge schools
to invite other students, teachers and parents to participate by attending the
debates.
Schools will arrange transportation and present bills to the event manager for
reimbursement within (1) week of each debate attended. Bills must have
clearly written contact information for service providers.
4. Code of Conduct
Purpose of the Code of Conduct
The GRENLEC Debates bring together diverse participants for a short, intensive
debating exercise. In this environment, it is very important that all participants have a
common understanding of the standards of behaviour expected of them in order to
maintain a safe and cordial atmosphere. The purpose of this Code is to encourage
proper decorum throughout the Championship.
To whom does the Code of Conduct apply?
This Code applies to the following stakeholders in the Championship:
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Debaters
Coaches/Trainers
Team Coordinators
Judges
Individuals assigned other roles by the host, visiting or organising
committee.
ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST AGREE TO ABIDE BY THIS CODE OF CONDUCT.
Before the start of the competition, the principal of each debating team must sign and
return the Code of Conduct and ensure its enforcement for the duration of the
Championship.
No team will be allowed to participate in the Championship unless the Code of Conduct
has been signed.
Compliance to the Code
(a) All participants shall ensure that they comply with the Code of Conduct for the
duration of the Championship.
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GRENLEC Debates HANDBOOK
(b) In addition, each school shall appoint a coach and team coordinator who shall
be responsible for ensuring that the debaters comply with the Code for the
duration of the Championship.
(c) A team must be accompanied by at least one teacher, who will take
responsibility for students as each debate.
(d) No team of debaters shall be allowed to participate in the Championship
unless such a team is selected by the school.
Articles of the Code of Conduct
Do’s
• Have the consent of their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to participate.
•
Be respectful and courteous in interacting with other participants, guests, officials
and members of the public.
•
Observe rules of responsible academic referencing and research. Subjects
interviewed must have the credentials to speak on the particular topic and be
credited for their information or ideas. They must be made explicitly aware of the
purpose for which they are being interviewed and the manner in which their
information will be utilised. To guard against personal liability, consider sending
experts copies of quotations or summaries for verification.
Don’ts
Participants must NOT:
•
Make any comments, jokes, or insinuations, which may be construed as being
derogatory or harassing, about any other person to that person or to anyone
else.
•
Make any statement or use any information or quotation that is offensive or false
and harmful to the reputation of another.
•
Engage in any form of violence or hostile behaviour.
•
Intentionally cause damage to the property of other individuals or of any host
venues.
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GRENLEC Debates HANDBOOK
Behaviour Towards Judges
1. Participants in the Championship and supporters must refrain from any display of
hostility towards judges or any other officials.
2. Feedback between teams and judges must be given and received in a
constructive and non-confrontational manner
Enforcement of the Code of Conduct
Breaches of the Code should be reported, in writing, to the Coordinator. GRENLEC will
appoint a three-person Complaints Committee prior to the start of the competition. One
member of the Committee will be nominated by the Association of Secondary School
Principals. No principal will be allowed to sit on the committee in a matter pertaining to
his/her school.
If a participant believes that another participant has breached the Code, he or she may
report the breach to the Coordinator. Any matters which cannot be amicably resolved
will be referred to the Complaints Committee.
The Coordinator, where appropriate, shall address complaints requiring simple
intervention on matters pertaining to clarification of issues or other problems through
moral suasion.
Role of the Complaints Committee
1. Each Complaints Officer shall be responsible for:
(a) receiving complaints about breaches of the Code
(b) investigating complaints
(c) making appropriate recommendations
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GRENLEC Debates HANDBOOK
Undertaking
This undertaking is required to be signed prior to the commencement of the
Championship.
Undertaking by all those participating in the GRENLEC Secondary Schools
Debating Championship
I/We
___________________________________________________________________
undertake that:
(a) I/ We have read and understood the Code of Conduct above and
(b) I/We will abide by the Code of Conduct for the duration of the ___________(year)
GRENLEC Secondary Schools Debating Championship.
Signed………………………………………………Dated………………………………
Undertaking by principals of debater(s) participating in the Championship
I ____________________________________________________ undertake that:
(Principal’s name)
(a) I am principal of _______________________________________________ and our
debaters are participating in the GRENLEC Secondary Schools Debating
Championship.
(b) I have read and understood the Code of Conduct above.
(c) I have explained the Code of Conduct to the above debaters.
(d) I have instructed the above debaters that I expect and require them to abide by the
Code of Conduct.
(e) The debaters have confirmed to me that they will abide by the Code of Conduct.
Signed………………………………… Dated ……………………………………
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GRENLEC Debates HANDBOOK
5. Guidelines for the Debate
Debating is the art of persuading through informed, reasoned discourse. By its very
nature, it is interactive, requiring debaters to engage each other in a pattern of eloquent
speech and response. Debaters must master their subject matter and communicate
effectively to persuade their audience, in the given time. There are many different
debating styles and we have adapted one that promotes the development of
independent thinkers.
5.1 Summary Skills of Good Debaters
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An effective debater must is able to research and connect relevant information.
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A good debater listens well, takes charge of his/her time and is succinct.
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Debaters’ presentations are well structured, demonstrating awareness of the
impact of verbal and nonverbal communication.
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A good debater uses the range of his/her voice, demonstrates tone, inflection
and intonation (modulation or rise and fall in the pitch of voice).
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Debaters employ good microphone handling skills.
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A good debater thinks on his/her feet.
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Speeches should sound natural and debaters must have conviction.
confidence comes from preparation.
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Debaters maintain good eye contact that generally spans the audience.
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A good debater presents his/her arguments with authority, referring to notes
periodically, rather than reading. The debater must think, listen, question, take
notes, build arguments and deliver persuasively, among other things.
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Debaters are focused, under an array of circumstances.
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Debaters are part of a team that empowers each member to do his/her job well,
lending to a display of the interrelated nature of speaking, listening and
questioning.
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GRENLEC Debates HANDBOOK
5.2 Definition and Cases
The Proposition must present a reasonable definition of the motion. This
means:
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On receiving a motion, both teams should ask: ‘What are the issues to be
debated? On listening to the motion, what would the audience think about it?’

If the motion, poses obvious issues for debate, the Proposition must define the
motion accordingly, ensuring that the definition is one the audience would be
able to comprehend.
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If there is no obvious meaning to the motion, the range of possible meanings is
limited to those that allow for a reasonable debate. Choosing a meaning that
does not allow the Opposition room for debate would not be a reasonable
definition. Truisms and tautologies leave the Opposition no room for debate and
are clearly illegitimate.
Defining absolute words literally may prevent a
reasonable debate, and they can therefore be read down.

When defining the words in the motion (i) to allow the obvious meaning to be
debated or (ii) when there is no obvious meaning, to give effect to a possible
meaning that would allow for a reasonable debate.
If the Proposition’s definition is unreasonable, the Opposition may:

Accept it and debate the motion.
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Challenge it and propose an alternative, reasonable definition and present a case
based that supports its position.
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Broaden the debate, in relation to the words in the motion, if the Proposition has
unreasonably restricted the motion.
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GRENLEC Debates HANDBOOK
5.3
The Role of the Speakers
First Round:

The 1st speaker will speak for five (5) minutes.
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The role of the first speaker of the Proposition is to define the topic, establish the
issues, outline the Proposition’s case, announce the case division between the
speakers and present his or her part of the case.
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The role of the first speaker of the Opposition is to challenge the definition, if
necessary; to present an alternative definition, if necessary; to respond to the
Proposition’s case; to outline the Opposition’s case; to announce the case
division; and to present his/ her part of the case.

If the first speaker for the Opposition does not challenge the definition
established by the first speaker for the Proposition, the Opposition is taken to
have accepted the definition. In such a case, this definition will be recognised as
the working definition and may not be altered, in any way, by any member of the
Proposition or Opposition.

In responding to the Proposition’s case, the Opposition may present a case of its
own, or merely attack the case presented by the Proposition. If it chooses to
present a case of its own, it must do so through arguments and not concentrate
solely on attacking the case presented by the Proposition.
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No points of information during this round.
Second Round

The 2nd speaker will speak for four (4) minutes.
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The role of the second speaker of the Proposition is to deal with the definition, if it
has been challenged; to respond to the Opposition’s case; and to continue with
the Proposition’s case, as outlined by the first speaker.
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If the second Proposition speaker does not challenge a re-definition of the debate
made by the first Opposition speaker, the Proposition is taken to have accepted
the Opposition's re-definition and no further alterations to the definition may be
made.
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GRENLEC Debates HANDBOOK
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The role of the second speaker of the Opposition is to deal with the definition if it
is still an issue, respond to the Proposition’s case and continue with the
Opposition’s case, as outlined by the first speaker.
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No points of information during this round.
Third Round – Points of Information
Points of Information may be comments, questions or requests for information
related to the motion being debated.
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2 speakers from each team will offer and accept Points of Information (POI).
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Teams can use their 1st or 2nd speaker and one other speaker during this round
or 2 new speakers. Only these four debaters will participate in the debate during
this round.
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Each team must respond to all POI directed to it.
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Each team will have 2 ½ minutes during this round
• Time for offering POI – 15 Seconds
• Response time – 30 Seconds
The opposition will direct its comments/questions first.
Fourth Round – Rebuttals

The aim of rebuttal is to present information and evidence that contradicts or
invalidates information presented by an opponent.
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Use the opportunity to strengthen your case by dissecting your opponent’s case
and leave a lasting and favourable impression on your audience.
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Teams will have 3 minutes after Round 3 to prepare a 2-minute rebuttal to be
presented by a debater who has not presented in the prior 3 rounds.
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The opposition will present its rebuttal first.
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GRENLEC Debates HANDBOOK
Penalties:
Debaters will be penalised for speaking beyond the allotted time as follows:
• 2 points for the first additional 15 seconds or any part thereof;
• Thereafter, 2 points will be deducted for every additional 15 seconds or any
part thereof.
•
5.4
There is a 5-second grace period for each speaker beyond the allotted time
in Rounds 1, 2 and 4. In Round 3, speakers must stop speaking as soon as
the time is indicated. Time penalties will apply as soon as the buzzer
sounds)
Seating Arrangement
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GRENLEC Debates HANDBOOK
6. Appendices
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GRENLEC Debates HANDBOOK
6.1 Timekeepers’ Guide
Date:…………………………………..
Venue………………………………..………
Topic:……………………………………………………………………………………….
Proposition:…………………………………………………………………………………
Opposition:…………………………………………………………………………………
1. BUZZER: After an indication from the judges, a single buzz is used to let the speaker know
that he/she can now begin. (Start timer as soon as the speaker has uttered the first word)
Ensure that both timekeepers are synchronized.
2. A single buzz alerts the speaker that he/she has one more minute in Rounds 1, 2 and 4.
3. A double buzz indicates the end of the allotted time in rounds 1, 2 and 4.
4. In round 3, a single buzz signals the end of 15 or 30 seconds allocated for making and
responding to POIs, respectively. A double buzz indicates the end of time (21/2 mins.) for
each team.
5. The stopwatch is stopped at the end of each speech and POI and the time is recorded. You
should recheck with your colleague to ensure that the times are synchronized.
6. The time utilised by each speaker should be written down in the appropriate space.
TIME SHEET
Proposition (insert the Time
name of each speaker) allowed
1st speaker
5 minutes
Time
Opposition(insert the Time
utilised name of each speaker) allowed
1st speaker
5 minutes
2nd speaker
4 minutes
2nd speaker
4 minutes
3rd Round – Points of
Information (POI)
2 ½ minutes
3rd Round – Points of
Information (POI)
2 ½ minutes
Rebuttal
Total
15 sec. POI
15 sec. POI
30 sec. response
30 sec. response
15 sec. POI
15 sec. POI
30 sec. response
30 sec. response
15 sec. POI
15 sec. POI
30 sec. response
30 sec. response
15 sec. POI
15 sec. POI
30 sec. response
30 sec. response
15 sec. POI
15 sec. POI
30 sec. response
30 sec. response
2 minutes
13 ½
Rebuttal
NAME OF TIMEKEEPER………………………………………..
Signature……………………………………………………………
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2 minutes
13 ½
Time
utilised
GRENLEC Debates HANDBOOK
6.2 Judges Score Sheet
GRENLEC DEBATE
JUDGES' SCORE SHEET 2013
Name of Judge:
Proposition:
Opposition:
Location:
Date:
Score each out of 10 points- Below average (1 or 2) Average (3 or 4) Above average (5 or 6) Exceptional (7 or 8) Flawless (9 or 10)
GRAND
TOTAL
Time Deductions
TOTAL
SUBTOTAL
Professionalism
Effective use of
Notes (limited
reading)
Conviction
Body language
DELIVERY
SUBTOTAL
Rhetoric
Use of Language
SUBTOTAL
EXPRESSION
Clarity & Logic
Links to Motion
Evidence of
Research
COVERAGE/CONTENT
Relevance and
credibility
Motion:
PROPOSITION
1st. Speaker:
2nd Speaker:
POI Offered
POI Responses
Rebuttal
OVERALL SCORE
/40
/40
/40
/40
/40
/200
/20
/20
/20
/20
/20
/100
/40
/40
/40
/40
/40
/200
/100
/100
/100
/100
/100
/500
/100
/100
/100
/100
/100
/500
OPPOSITION
1st. Speaker:
2nd Speaker:
POI Offered
POI Responses
Rebuttal
OVERALL SCORE:
/40
/40
/40
/40
/40
/200
/20
/20
/20
/20
/20
/100
/40
/40
/40
/40
/40
/200
/100
/100
/100
/100
/100
/500
/100
/100
/100
/100
/100
/500
Judge's Signature:
Chief Judge's Name:
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Chief Judge's Signature: