Sister Island schools advance, sweep wins in debates

Two schools from the sister islands have advanced to the final round of the Inter-Secondary School Debate after defeating schools on the main island of Tortola yesterday, March 14.

Yesterday’s winners are Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC) on Virgin Gorda and the 2017 debate finalist, Claudia Creque Educational Centre (CCEC) from Anegada.

They successfully took on the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS), and Elmore Stoutt High (ESHS), respectively.

The Debate

When BFEC went head-to-head with VISTS inside the auditorium at Althea Scatliffe Primary in Road Town, they proposed the moot: ‘A Parental Escort Policy should be enforced to restrict students under 18 from patronizing public establishments during school hours’.

The winning BFEC team consisted Ryan Ramlall, Kayliah Stevens, and Mariah Christian, who was awarded Best Speaker.

Cheryce Todman, Britney Bonthorne, and Noah Spencer represented VISTS.

During the other debate for the evening, ESHS proposed moot: ‘Modern-day natural disasters are a direct result of man’s unsustainable use of the environment’.

Akeya Herbert, who won Best Speaker in that debate, represented ESHS alongside Jefferina Morrison and Nandi Christopher.

Ebony Warren, Zevadiah Rhymer, and Rondel Smith comprised the victorious CCEC team.

Next debates

The next bout of debates will see students take on the topics: ‘Greater gun control measures will reduce crime in the Virgin Islands’, and ‘Alternative sources of energy can meet the energy demands of the Virgin Islands’.

Debate teams are judged for presentation, audibility and clarity, posture, and body language.

This year’s competition will culminate on April 19.