PNG Ports gives K5,000 for debate comp

Caption:  (L) PNG Ports Corporar Corporate Affairs GM Joseph Aisa presenting a dummy cheque  to IBS Events Coordinator Rose Gerari

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, May 11, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

PNG Ports Corporation presented its support for the 2014 IBS School Debate Competition with a cheque of K5,000 to the Institute of Business Studies (IBS) who run the annual competition which is growing its nationwide coverage with four more provinces that have come on board to compete in 2014 for a total of 13 provinces.

With the conclusion of the Central leg of the competition, which saw Mt Diamond take out top honours in Central, the funding was timely for the National Capital District leg to begin this week.

PNG Ports Corporate Affairs GM, Joseph Aisa, said that the State Owned Entity was pleased to assist the Institute run such a vital competition to enhance students’ ability for critical and constructive analysis.

“We are pleased to assist this event which we believe enhances the skills of our younger generation,” he said.

“You will find that debating makes individuals confident, helps to research, identify issues, and present arguments, and writing and public speaking skills.”

He also thanked the Organiser of the competition and Events Coordinator at IBS Rose Gerari for her tireless effort in making the competition bigger each year, over the last five years.

Receiving the funds on behalf of the institute, Gerari thanked PNG Ports for their support.

“We have just completed the Central leg of the competition and this sponsorship has come in at a good time, when we are just kick-starting the debate competition,” she said.

"From here we are going nationwide to other provinces and over the years we’ve seen young vibrant leaders come out of this competition with good public speaking skills."

She said with the increased participation of four more provinces of New Ireland, East Sepik, Oro, and West Sepik the support of corporate sponsors and MPs like tge Governors of New Ireland, Grand Chief Sir Julius Chan, NCD Powes Parkop, and Enga Governor Peter Ipatas were essential in making the national competition a success.

She revealed plans for this year's national debate champions to take the best in Melanesia.

"It roughly costs around K30,000 to run each debate leg in the provinces, and the winners from the provinces will go to the regionals to compete for the Melasian Schools Debate Competition with region countries Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Fiji," she added.