Why 2024 public speaking 2nd place winner yet to receive her prize?

A year after capturing second place in the 2024 School’s Public Speaking Competition organised by the Lions Club, Samarah Lynch is yet to receive her promised EC$3,000 prize, raising concerns about fairness, integrity and transparency in the handling of the competition’s awards.

Lynch, who represented the Mountain View Adventist Academy (MVAA) and earned the runner-up position after a couple of weeks of preparation and hard work, went to collect her prize in 2025.

However, she was informed by a representative of Flow, one of the sponsors, that she could not receive the cash award because she was not attending a local college in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but had instead been accepted to the University of the Southern Caribbean.

This reasoning came as a surprise to Lynch and her family, as there had been no prior mention during the competition that eligibility for prizes was tied to local college enrolment. The impression was also given that Flow no longer wished to provide cash prizes to students, preferring instead to support those enrolled at local institutions.

Adding to the controversy, reports indicate that all other participants in the same competition received their cash prizes without issue. This discrepancy has led to growing frustration and disappointment, especially from Lynch’s parents, who have made several calls to both Flow and the Lions Club in an effort to resolve the matter.

It is alleged that when word began to spread that the family intended to make the issue public on social media, Flow and the Lions Club reached an agreement, and the current president of the Lions Club reportedly confirmed that Lynch would indeed receive her prize. However, as of this date, no funds have been handed over, and the family continues to be told to “call back.”

The situation has raised questions about accountability and consistency in how competition prizes are managed. Some community members have suggested that the decision to promise payment may have been made to avoid negative publicity ahead of the 2025 Public Speaking Competition, which took place last week Thursday.

This is not just about the money. It’s about principle and integrity. How can young people be taught honesty and fairness when adults in positions of authority change the rules as they please?

Many have commended the Lions Club for its continued support of youth development through initiatives like the public speaking competition. However, all rules should be made clear before the competition and students should rightfully receive what was promised.

It is hoped that the matter will be resolved honourably and that this promising young woman will be awarded what she rightfully earned.                                                  

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