BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SEVEN islands from across the Lesser Antilles are set to compete in the 37th annual Leeward Islands Debating Competition (LIDC) which begins this evening (Feb. 26) at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort in St. Martin.
The competition will end on Sunday, March 1 and features the best debaters from St. Kitts, Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, first-time entrants the British Virgin Islands and host country St. Martin.
Teams will present arguments on a wide variety of topics ranging from Polygamy to Caribbean political culture and religion. Preliminary rounds will be held today and tomorrow (Feb. 27), with the Semi-Finals slated for Saturday (Feb. 28) and the Final set for Sunday.
Each debate will consist of two islands facing one another in two-person teams. A designated leader for each team will speak for 10 minutes and their partner will speak for seven minutes.
After the written presentations are delivered, the leader of each team will present a five minute rebuttal that aims to deconstruct and refute the opposing side’s argument.
This year’s team is comprised of Isalean Phillip, Xavienne-Roma Richardson, Tishima Browne, Carlton Williams, Rolhensha Henry and Akeem Bacchus, who are all students of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College. The latter two were on St. Kitts’ victorious LIDC team of 2008, which was held at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel and Casino.
Williams said the team had prepared diligently for the debate and his fellow debaters were confident about another St. Kitts triumph.
“We have really put in the work this year and while we are not underestimating the quality of our opponents, we feel as though if we perform to the best of our abilities St. Kitts will win again.
“With the experience brought onto the team by Henry and Bacchus, as well as the training we have received and the bond that has grown within the team, we believe this will be a very enjoyable LIDC experience for us,” said the debater.
He noted that the team was not only looking forward to the debates themselves, but also to the myriad activities that would be held during the competition, which include a tour of St. Martin, a shopping excursion, a cultural concert and assorted parties.
St. Kitts and Antigua are tied for the most wins in LIDC history; both teams have eight wins.
