The University of The Gambia First Debate Team

May 6, 2009

Ambassador Wells (center) surrounded by,(from left to right) Professor Keita (Read Team Coach), Professor Awasom (Blue Team Coach), Professor Ellis, Moderator, POL/ECON Officer, Tashawna Bethea and Bernard Gomez , UTGDA student.

In October 2008, Pol/Econ officer Tashawna Bethea and PD Assistant Papa Njie helped organize a debate team at the university.  Several months later, on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Ambassador Barry L. Wells spoke at the official launch of the University of The Gambia Debating Association (UTGDA) at its first university debate competition.  Ten Polo shirts and VOA promotional materials were donated to the team by the Embassy.  In delivering his remarks, Ambassador Wells emphasized the importance of debate to enhance communication skills, saying, “having good communication skills will help you in all walks of life whether you are a doctor, lawyer, or even an Ambassador.” Bernard Gomez, the UTGDA President said, “UTGDA is an organized group of intellectuals who are interested in demonstrating their skills in speech, through public speaking, listening and analyzing a situation.”  The debate topic was Is the Global Crisis a problem for just the West or Also for Africa?   Each side argued their points so well that it enticed comments and praise from the audience throughout the debate.  Many students in the audience said it was the first time that they had experienced a debate and would consider participating themselves in the future.
 

The debate was attended by over 200 students and has created a new wave of interest in debating and public speaking.  The debate will help educate students in the principles and values of democracy, including freedom of expression and tolerance for diverse views. The debate competition received extensive coverage on Gambian national TV.