St. George’s Secondary School and the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS) are the winners in the first round of the Ministry of Education’s annual Inter-Secondary School debates.

 The winners will compete in the Semi-Final Round on 26^th February. St. George’s will face the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, while the Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary Division will engage the Elmore Stoutt High School.

 Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe said, “The Inter-Secondary School Debate Series is more than just a competition. It is a platform for developing essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. As we work towards transforming our education system, initiatives like this play a pivotal role in shaping students into confident, articulate, and analytical individuals who can engage meaningfully in discourse on national, regional and global issues.”

  Deputy Chief Educational Officer Mrs. Heida Selwood congratulated the students and stated that the quality of the debates was remarkable, showcasing the talent, dedication and hard work of all the students involved.

 “The 2025 debates are off to a good start, with students delivering impressive and well-prepared presentations,” Mrs. Selwood said, adding, “The caliber of the debates was exceptional, with debaters presenting well-researched arguments and maintaining composure under pressure. It was truly inspiring to witness the students deliver their arguments.”

Mrs. Selwood added, “The Ministry of Education remains committed to fostering an environment that encourages intellectual growth and spirited discourse. The students embraced this challenge, demonstrating articulate expression and the ability to engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives on societal issues.”

 The schedules for the Semi-Final round of the debates are as follows:

Debate #1

Date:   Wednesday, 26^th February, 2025

Time:   9:30 a.m.

Venue: New Testament Church of God International Worship Centre

Moot:   Mental Health Services should be mandatory in all schools

Proposition: Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary (BFEC)

Opposition:  Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS)

Debate #2

Date: Wednesday, 26^th February, 2025

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Venue: New Testament Church of God International Worship Centre

Moot:  Year-round tourism is both achievable and sustainable in the Virgin Islands.

Proposition: Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS)

Opposition:  St. George’s Secondary School

 The impromptu speech competition will take place on the 12^th March 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, 2, 3, 4: Photos from the Inter-Secondary School Debates preliminary round

 (Photo credit: GIS: F. Skerritt)