CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – MEMBERS of the Literary and Debating Society delegation representing Nevis at the Leeward Islands Debating competition in St. Maarten were given an executive send off by the Premier, Hon. Joseph Parry.
Parry, who is also Minister of Education, told the sixth form students in the VIP Lounge of the Vance Amory International Airport that, as ambassadors of Nevis, they are expected to do well in St. Maarten.
He said he was not urging them to win since that would be putting too much pressure on them, but asking that they give it their best shot. He said there is no dishonor in losing if one did the best that one could have done.
The Premier also urged the debating team to work on their rebuttals since he observed that was a weak area in previous tournaments.
“Debating takes skill, practice, information. You should be able to think quickly on your feet. It means that you should be so comfortable with the material that you should be able to turn it whichever way very quickly. Do not be afraid to think. Do not be afraid to make a mistake...let the flow begin, and once it flows the thoughts will come.”
Also present to see the team off were Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Joseph Wiltshire and Principal of the Charlestown Secondary School, Edson Elliot.
Wiltshire reminded the students that they were not only representing the sixth form but they were also ambassadors of Nevis.
Elliot expressed thanks to the Nevis Island Administration for its support after the students’ fund-raising efforts fell short.
Chief Staff Sponsor of the delegation Sheila Hanley said the team is well prepared having done their research properly. She said they believe that hard work and sacrifice pay off and are looking forward to returning with the shield, so the public would feel justified in its investment.
The Nevis team goes into action Friday night against St. Maarten. The topic is “Religion as a compulsory part of the Curriculum”. Should they get past the first round, the next topic is “Inflation rather than Crime is the hindrance to Caribbean development”. The topic for the final night, Sunday, is “Political Culture in the Caribbean’s Impact on Sustainable Development in the Region”.
The Nevis team to the February 25 to March 2 competition is Kris Liburd, Joanne Flemming, Venelle Powell, Chrislin Jeffers, Sashia Godet, Michelle Slack and Michelle Mc Grath.
