By Alicia Knowles
In a showcase of eloquence, intellect, and persuasive prowess, Team Antigua
and Barbuda emerged victorious at the esteemed APAG Inter-Caribbean Grand
Debate Challenge held in Guadeloupe last Friday. The event, which drew
participants from across the Caribbean, witnessed a display of spirited debates
on pressing issues, ultimately culminating in a triumph for the talented debaters
from Antigua and Barbuda.
The APAG Inter-Caribbean Grand Debate Challenge serves as a platform for
young English enthusiasts in the Caribbean to engage in constructive dialogue,
articulate their viewpoints, and advocate for meaningful change. This year's
competition was particularly significant, as it was the first time reverting back
to the face-to-face challenge since the pandemic after preliminary encounters
were done virtually, and saw participants tackling topics focusing on social
issues.
The team representing Antigua and Barbuda included the 2023 Best Debater of
the Caribbean Union Bank Inter-secondary School Debate, Jada Quinland – Sir
Novelle Richards Academy and the second-place winners Ti-ikha Edwards and
Anya Hull from the Clare Hall Secondary School. The team was chaperoned by
Debate Coach and Acting Principal of Clare Hall Secondary School, Ms. Lorna
Richardson and Education Officer: Education Broadcasting, Ms. Alicia
Knowles.
Utilising Karl Popper style of debate, Team Antigua appeared in the first
semifinal against Jardin d’Essai Guadeloupe proposing the moot, Transgender
women should be allowed to compete in women’s sports categories. Although
a controversial and difficult side to have been given, Team Antigua and Barbuda
delivered its arguments convincingly, showcased exceptional skills, captivating
audiences and judges alike with their insightful arguments and compelling
delivery, undoubtedly setting them apart as frontrunners in the tournament.
Unanimously, they were adjudged winners of the first semi final encounter. The
second semifinal encounter saw La Persévérance Guadeloupe and Dominica
debating the moot, Music genres are the most influential tools in promoting
cultural and linguistic diversity on a global stage. Dominica emerged winners
of this face off.
In a random draw, Team Antigua chose to propose the moot, The portrayal of
violence in media contributes significantly to real -world violence, for the
final encounter between Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica. The teams were
given fifteen (15 ) minutes to organise and prepare for the position chosen. In
the finale, Team Antigua and Barbuda with eloquent delivery, and cogent
arguments emerged winners and ultimate champions of this event.
One of the defining moments of the debate competition was the team's ability to
address complex issues with depth and clarity, drawing upon a diverse array of
perspectives and evidence to support their assertions. Their mastery of rhetoric
and persuasive techniques resonated with both the panel of judges and
spectators, earning them admiration and acclaim.
In addition to their impressive performance in the debates, Team Antigua and
Barbuda exemplified the values of sportsmanship, professionalism, and
teamwork throughout the competition. Their collaborative approach, mutual
respect, and unwavering determination served as a shining example for aspiring
debaters across the region.
Director Of Education, Clare Browne, offered congratulations to the team
stating that he felt confident that Antigua and Barbuda had a ‘winning team’
and that he expected nothing less than the team returning to Antigua and
Barbuda with the trophy. “Our education system is very good and the students
we produce are able to hold their own anywhere against anyone. They can
compete and they can win,” he declared.
The victory of Team Antigua and Barbuda in the APAG Inter-Caribbean Grand
Debate Challenge not only highlights their exceptional talent and dedication but
also underscores the significance of constructive dialogue and intellectual
exchange in addressing the pressing issues facing the Caribbean and the world
at large.
Education Officer with responsibility for Education Broadcasting, Ms. Alicia
Knowles, expressed her delight at the win, emphasizing that the experience
gained from participating in the APAG Inter-Caribbean Grand Debate
Challenge is invaluable for the development of critical thinking skills among
students. She notes that the competition offered a unique opportunity and a
platform for young debaters to engage with complex issues, articulate their
viewpoints, and defend their arguments in a competitive yet respectful
environment. She affirms her commitment to ensuring that students in Antigua
and Barbuda can participate in these events not only regionally but
internationally as well. She underscored the role of constructive debate in
cultivating a generation of informed and articulate citizens capable of
contributing meaningfully to public discourse and decision-making processes.
The Education Officer praised Team Antigua and Barbuda for their exemplary
performance and sportsmanship throughout the competition. She commended
the team for their dedication, teamwork, and ability to engage with diverse
perspectives, noting that their success reflects positively on the quality of
education and mentorship in Antigua and Barbuda.
Looking ahead, the Education Officer expressed optimism about the continued
growth of debate programmes in schools across the country. She reiterated the
commitment of the Ministry of Education to support initiatives that promote
critical thinking, communication skills, and academic excellence among
students. She also encourages educators to leverage the success of Team
Antigua and Barbuda as inspiration for nurturing the next generation of debaters
and leaders.
