CLARENDON’S Glenmuir High beat five other schools to win the inaugural Rita Marley Foundation public speaking competition held on February 12 at the University of the West Indies.

The event was part of Bob Marley’s 70th earth day celebrations, and is to be an annual affair.

“It was very appropriate for us to incorporate a public speaking competition into this year’s celebrations as we honour a legendary musician, artiste and songwriter who used positive messages and a remarkable voice to enlighten, elevate and emancipate humankind,” said Rosemary Duncan, manager of the Rita Marley Foundation.

Six high schools — Glenmuir, Denham Town, William Knibb, York Castle, Wolmer’s Girls’ and Haile Selassie — had accepted the foundation’s invitation to participate.

The topic for the first round was, ‘A people detached from its motherland can prosper’; followed by an impromptu topic, ‘How would you make Jamaica the greatest and best country?’

Xaundre Mohansingh of Glenmuir delivered both his presentations superbly. The packed room erupted with thunderous applause during his presentations.

Mickella Anderson of Wolmer’s Girls’ placed second and N’Jari Chambers of William Knibb, third.

The winners received trophies, medals, certificates and cash. The winning essay is being published in Harambe, the Rita Marley Foundation newsletter.

Xaundre Mohansingh, Glenmuir’s first place winner.