Port Vila’s Ecole Francaise is the winner of the Efate School Debate.
Ecole Francaise came out ahead of Malapoa College arguing the motion: “Vanuatu can be friends to both Indonesia and West Papua”.
The grand final took stage at the Wan Smol Bag in what was an impressive display of talent in the presence of an adjudicating panel consisted of MP Ralph Regenvanu, Pacific Urban Specialist Sarah Mecrartney, CEO of Transparency International Vanuatu, Wilson Toa and the Manager of the MSG Secretariat Governance and Sustainable Development Programme, Stanley Wapot.
The debate was tough, especially for Malapoa speakers Dylan Tari, Aleesha Kalsrap and Karlene Tari who argued opposite whilst knowing Vanuatu is very “pro-West Papua”.
The Malapoa team argued it is not possible to be friends with both countries explaining how Vanuatu will find it be very difficult to balance its obligation to support Melanesians in west Papua but on the other hand has to respect Indonesia’s sovereignty.
A speaker against stated that Vanuatu is a strong supporter for west Papua freedom and has expressed concerns about Indonesia’s human rights abuses. Being friend to Indonesia, whom is fighting for control, can affect its relation with the west-Papua.
“Vanuatu has to choose who to side with and that is our Melanesian brother, West Papua”.
The next speaker of the affirmative side opened his statement by saying that: “If we (Vanuatu and the two countries) are a family we have to stand together –together we are strong”.
Quoting from the foreign affairs website, the speaker said being friends with both brings economic and political benefits. “It’s a win-win situation for all”.
Alfonia Felix, Ethan Hakwa, Sixtine Lebeau strongly believe Vanuatu can be friends to Indonesia and West Papua because the country’s foreign policy platform says we should “be friend to all and enemy of none”.
Both teams were applauded for presenting compelling arguments with evidence; quoting media and national leaders. Aleesha Kalsrap on the opposing team received the Best Speaker Award.
The debate competition is an initiative by the Pacific Institute of Public Policy (PiPP) in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.
PiPP’s Communications Director, Ben Bohane, who chaired the debates, said: “debating encourages young minds to develop critical thinking, public speaking, research skills and confidence.
“These are really important skills for life and helps to create an atmosphere of tolerance for other people’s views and opinions in society.”
Ecole Francaise will go to final with the winner of Santo Competition on August 20. The winner will represent Vanuatu in the Melanesian Champion in September.
Vanuatu will host the Melanesian Cup bringing best teams from Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands.
PiPP is planning to make the debate a national event next year that would involve all high schools across the country .