Public-Sector Debaters Urged to Develop Innovative Solutions

Participants in the Public Sector Debate Competition are being urged to use the platform to interrogate national issues and contribute to innovative solutions that will strengthen Jamaica’s long-term development trajectory.

Principal and Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Professor Densil Williams, made the call while addressing the launch of the 2026 staging of the Transformation Implementation Unit (TIU)-organised competition on Tuesday (April 14) at the AC Marriott Hotel in St. Andrew.

He noted that debate provides a platform for structured dialogue and critical thinking, which shape sound policy solutions and drive innovation.

“It is really a space that we can use to generate critical ideas and provide evidence-based analysis among the public-sector workers as they assist us to facilitate Jamaica’s development,” he said.

“It gives you a chance to become tolerant of different ideas. Without tolerance, you will never get innovation,” he added.

Meanwhile, as Jamaica pursues a long-term growth strategy, Professor Williams highlighted the need for greater focus on transforming raw output into higher-value goods and services to achieve meaningful economic expansion.

“I think that the real development challenge that we face is one of value-added. We have to move up the value chain,” he said.

“So yes, you can pick 1,000 oranges but if you have not added value to those oranges you limit the level of growth that you have,” he contended.

Professor Williams noted the importance of post-secondary education and training in enabling Jamaica to transition to a value-driven economy.

“It is going to need an educated citizenry, not just at the primary and secondary-school levels. You now have to break into the post-secondary level,” he said.

The debate competition, now in its fifth staging, will feature 32 teams from across the public sector.