Debate Format

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Ministerial Debate 2010

The Organisation

The Trinidad and Tobago Prime Ministerial Debate 2010 was born out of a great need that a group of young working people sought to identify and satisfy. They say that necessity is the mother of invention and in speaking with various persons from all walks of life, it became clear that in a snap election scenario, the opportunity to fully articulate the numerous issues of the day would be overlooked in a short time frame by the mass media and the short campaign season. To this end, we created the opportunity ourselves, and believe that the leaders of our young republic would see this as a chance to share with the younger generation, all the ideas, dreams and hopes that we share with you, for our great nation.

Debate Proposal

Proposed Day: Sunday 9 May, 2010. 8:00pm-10:00pm

Proposed Venues: UWI Lecture Halls, Cipriani Labour College, Queen's Hall, Rudrinath Capildeo Centre.

Scheduled Structure

Six (6) debate sessions/topics and one (1) People's Forum Session

Proposed Itinerary

8:00pm -8:01pm Introduction by the Moderator

8:01pm - 8:03pm Opening Statement (Prime Minister)

8:03pm - 8:05pm Opening Statement (Leader of the Opposition)

8:05pm - 8:13pm Constitutional Reform

8:13pm - 8:15pm Break

8:15pm - 8:27pm Health and Social Services

8:27pm - 8:30pm Break

8:30pm - 8:43pm Public Utilities and National Infrastructure

8:43pm - 8:45pm Break

8:45pm - 8:57pm Education and the Environment

8:57pm - 9:00pm Break

9:00pm - 9:13pm Economy and Finance

9:13pm - 9:15pm Break

9:15pm - 9:27pm National and Personal Security

9:27pm - 9:30pm Break

9:30pm - 9:43pm People's Forum

9:43pm - 9:45pm Break

9:45pm - 9:53pm People's Forum

9:53pm - 9:56pm Closing Statement (Leader of the Opposition)

9:56pm - 9:59pm Closing Statement (Prime Minister)

9:59pm - 10:00pm Moderator Closing Statement

END OF LIVE COVERAGE. FORUM MAY CONTINUE AT THE VENUE UPON THE CONSENT OF BOTH CANDIDATES.

Additional considerations

The studio audience will comprise a list of invited members of each political party, members of the press corps, as well as select members from civil society and the public. Candidates will also be asked to submit a list of invitees (number to be determined) who would accompany them to the debate. The format will not allow direct interaction via Q&A with the studio audience, as the intention is to ventilate all topics as quickly, but as clearly as possible.

In general, candidates will be allowed one minute per answer, as questions will be as clear and direct as possible, and the candidate will have the opportunity to prepare notes on some questions in advance, which will be sent at least five (5) days prior to the debate. After one minute, a chime will be sounded which will indicate that the candidate then has a maximum of 15 seconds to conclude the point in entirety. Candidates will also be given the opportunity for rebuttal and follow up if so indicated by the candidate himself/herself or by the moderator.