The Ministry of Educational Transformation (MEdT), in collaboration with Starcom Network Inc., presents its annual oratorical competition Pontifications & Poetry 2025, under the patronage of the Honourable Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.
The competition, which is open to all public and private, primary and secondary schools, seeks to:
- Cultivate Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
- Enhance Creative Expression and Literary Appreciation
- Promote Civic Engagement and Leadership
- Develop Collaboration and Teamwork Skills
Meaningful student participation is also central to the execution of the final event in November, providing invaluable hands-on experience and fostering leadership skills through Events Management (Co-MC, Usher, Stage Assistant, Media Team etc). Participants are, therefore, required to register for ONE area of interest: oratorical competition (speech or poetry) or events management.
Theme
Preliminaries
Finals
- Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
- Location: Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC)
- Time: 5:00 p.m.
The Competition Outline
The speech & poetry contests will feature both Primary School students (Age 9 – 11 years) and Secondary School students (Age 11 – 18 years) where prizes will be awarded to the 1st , 2nd & 3rd place in each age category.
MANDATORY WORKSHOP
All registered participants are required to attend a mandatory training session on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
IMPORTANT DATES/TIMELINES
Registration Opens: Friday, September 5, 2024
Official Registration Link: https://forms.gle/fYcUS1yYs7qEP4jx7
Registration Closes: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 11:59
Video Upload after Workshop: On or before Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 11. 59 p.m.
Duration Video: 2 minutes
For any clarification, please contact:
For more detailed information, click on the links below:
Updated Guidelines Pontifications & Poetry 2025 MEDT
Guidelines for Pontifications and Poetry 2025
Pontifications and Poetry Critical Timelines 2025