St. Kitts debate team is the eight-time LIDC champs
By Ryan Haas
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
~~Adz:Left~~ BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS- Two of St. Kitts’ best debaters walked away with top honors at the 36th Annual Leeward Islands Debate Competition (LIDC) held this past weekend at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel and Casino.
Melissa Bryant and Yarani Morton of Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College successfully argued the proposition side of the final’s topic, “Absentee fathers lead to the propagation of gang culture,” to defeat teams from Anguilla, Antigua/Barbuda, Montserrat, Nevis and St. Martin in a battle words and wits.
Bryant was adjudged Best Speaker for the final debate against St. Martin to lead St. Kitts to an impressive eighth LIDC title.
The competition was held from Thursday, February 28th to Sunday, March 2nd and each round saw two islands face each other in two-person teams. A designated leader for the team had to speak for ten minutes and the second spoke for seven minutes.
Representatives from the University of the Virgin Islands attended the competition, but merely as observers as they prepare for their inaugural entry into the competition next year.
Klieon John, an Executive Board Member for the LIDC, said the competition was very successful and he was quite impressed with the “outstanding quality of the debates.”
“Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of the whole event had nothing to do with debating; it was the camaraderie that took place each night when the competition was over.”
John said that on Saturday night a culture show was held where each team would sing or dance or give a presentation that would represent their island’s unique culture. St. Kitts sang and performed a carnival type dance that was “really hot”.
“There was an after party every night and we really enjoyed singing songs together in a celebration of the Leeward Islands’ many distinct cultures,” John added.
A Closing Ceremony, Dinner and Dance was held on Sunday night at the Royal St. Kitts Open Air Restaurant where the Kittitian team was crowned overall champions and Bryant received the honor of Best Speaker of the 2008 LIDC.
“St. Kitts’ victory this year marks the eighth win for the team and also ties us with Antigua as the most winning team in the entire history of the LIDC,” said John.
