Antigua and Barbuda successfully defended its debating crown at the 54th Annual Leeward Islands Debating Competition.

Antigua and Barbuda secured victory over Nevis in the final. The debate took place on Sunday, March 15.

The event was held at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre. The competition brought together student debaters from across the region.

Antigua and Barbuda entered the final as defending champions. Ultimately, the team delivered another strong performance.

The team scored 694 points. Meanwhile, Nevis finished with 639 points.

Antigua and Barbuda was represented by Leanna Browne and Janica Adams. Nevis was represented by Rajaun Fyfield and Shirmia Thompson.

During the final, teams debated an important regional issue. The motion asked whether Caribbean governments should provide free tertiary education.

Specifically, the proposal focused on education up to the undergraduate degree level.

In the end, Antigua and Barbuda’s arguments impressed the judges. As a result, the team retained the championship title.

In addition, Janica Adams earned the Best Speaker award in the final debate.

Both teams first had to win their semi-final rounds. Those debates took place on Saturday, March 14.

Antigua and Barbuda defeated Montserrat in the first semi-final. The team won the debate with 691 points to 624.

That debate focused on tourism in the Caribbean. Debaters discussed whether reliance on tourism undermines sustainable development.

Following that debate, Emya Geness of Antigua was named Best Speaker.

Later that evening, Nevis faced Anguilla in the second semi-final. Nevis won the round with 613 points to 559.

The motion examined regional cooperation. Teams debated whether regional integration should come before global alliances.

After the debate, Kijari Huggins received the Best Speaker award.

Following the final, Premier Mark Brantley congratulated the competing teams.

He praised both the champions and the runners-up for their strong performances.

Brantley also applauded the students’ confidence and debating skills. He said their performances inspire hope for the Caribbean’s future.

Furthermore, he praised the organization of the competition. He noted that the feedback from participants and visitors was very positive.

The competition also recognised individual excellence. Etiyen Udoh of Montserrat received the Overall Best Speaker award.

Udoh competed as Second Speaker for the Montserrat team.

The four-day event ran from March 12 to March 15. Students from several islands participated.

These included Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, Sint Maarten, Saint Kitts, and Nevis.

Each year, the competition promotes critical thinking and public speaking. It also encourages discussion on important Caribbean issues.