Seven schools across the Territory are expected to compete in the Ministry of Education’s annual Inter-Secondary School Debates beginning 5^th February.

The schools participating in this year’s debates are: Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary, Cedar International School, Ciboney Centre for Excellence, Claudia Creque Educational Centre Secondary, Elmore Stoutt High School, St. George’s Secondary and Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies.

Deputy Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Heida Selwood said the aim of the debates is to encourage students to improve their public speaking skills and communicate various forms of arguments effectively in a variety of contexts.

 "We have observed the improvements made by the respective schools each year. Last year, we witnessed fierce debates, with winners determined by small point differences. This year, we anticipate the same high level of competition. I encourage the public to continue supporting the debates as we sharpen the minds of our youth, preparing them to navigate the world in the future," she added.

The schedules for the debates are as follows:

Debate #1

Date:  Wednesday, 5th February, 2025

Time:  9:30 a.m.

Moot:  Students with special educational needs should be required to take the same standardized tests as their peers.

Proposition:    Claudia Creque Educational Centre

Opposition:     Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies

 Debate #2

Date:  Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Venue:  New Testament Church of God International Worship Centre

Moot:    Agricultural self-sufficiency is an unrealistic expectation for the Virgin Islands.

Proposition:   Cedar International School

Opposition:    St. Georges Secondary School

Debate #3

Date:Thursday, 6th February, 2025

Time: 9:30 a.m.

Moot:The current measures taken in the Virgin Islands are sufficient to combat

 the effects of climate change.

Proposition:     Ciboney Centre for Excellence

Opposition:      Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary

 The winning teams from each preliminary debate, along with the current champions, the Elmore Stoutt High School will advance to the semi-final round. The impromptu speech competition will take place on the March 12 at the final debate competition.

The debates will also be streamed on Facebook Live @BVIGovernment. For more information contact Mrs. Selwood in the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports at 468–2035.

Photo 1: Inter-Secondary School Debates Flyer

 (Photo credit: GIS)