Nevis Team Prepares to Defend Title at 53rd Leeward Islands Debating Competition

The Nevis Literary and Debating Society (LDS) is gearing up to defend its title at the 53rd Leeward Islands Debating Competition (LIDC), scheduled for March 6th to 8th, 2025, in St. Maarten. Fresh off their triumphant performance at LIDC 52, where they swept all three of their debates, the team carries the weight of high expectations as they prepare to face off against debaters from Anguilla, Antigua, St. Kitts, and host country St. Maarten. The team, comprised of Nevis Sixth Form College students Jeran Webb, T’Geonique Hunkins, Lauchele Herbert, Shirmia Thompson, Kijari Huggins, and LDS President Khalia Huggins-Simmons, exudes confidence despite the pressure. Their rigorous preparation, which began late last year upon receiving the debate topics, focuses on the semifinal moot, “Parental leave should be equal for both mothers and fathers,” and the potential final moot, “Caribbean youth will not reach their fullest potential without adequate soft skills training.” The inclusion of new debaters, honed through recent mock debates, adds a fresh dynamic to the experienced team.

Having conquered the LIDC in 2024, the Nevisian team enters the 2025 competition with a guaranteed spot in the semifinals, a testament to their previous victory. This strategic advantage allows them to bypass the initial rounds and concentrate their efforts on the more challenging latter stages of the competition. President Huggins-Simmons acknowledges the pressure to maintain their winning streak, emphasizing the high standards set by their previous flawless performance. However, she expresses unwavering faith in her team’s capabilities and their determination to secure another victory. The blend of seasoned debaters and enthusiastic newcomers creates a potent mix, poised to tackle the complex arguments and nuanced perspectives that the competition demands.

Beyond the intellectual preparations, the team faces the considerable hurdle of funding their trip to St. Maarten. Travel expenses have escalated significantly, prompting a series of fundraising initiatives to ensure the team’s participation. Mrs. Kerilyn Edwards-David, Deputy Principal of the Nevis Sixth Form College and LIDC Coordinator, has spearheaded these efforts, organizing events throughout the academic year. A raffle offering attractive prizes, including a 55-inch smart TV, music festival tickets, and a dinner for two, is currently underway, with the drawing scheduled for March 2nd at the Bank of Nevis Inter-High School Championship. Edwards-David appeals to the community, urging businesses and individuals to support the team financially, recognizing the importance of representing Nevis on the regional stage.

The five-territory competition will unfold over three days, culminating in the final debate on March 8th. Team Nevis will face the winner of the first debate in the third debate on March 7th. The victors of debates two and three will then clash in the grand finale, vying for the coveted LIDC title. As the reigning champions, Team Nevis carries the hopes of the entire island, which eagerly anticipates another display of their debating prowess. The team embodies the spirit of intellectual excellence and unwavering determination, ready to engage in rigorous discourse and uphold the reputation of Nevis as a formidable force in the regional debating arena.

The Nevisian team’s preparations extend beyond simply mastering the assigned debate topics. They are immersing themselves in research, honing their argumentation skills, and practicing their presentations to ensure a compelling and persuasive delivery. Mock debates serve as crucial practice sessions, allowing the team to refine their strategies, anticipate opposing arguments, and build confidence under pressure. This meticulous approach underscores their commitment to excellence and their desire to not only defend their title but to demonstrate their growth and development as debaters. They recognize the importance of representing Nevis with distinction and are determined to make their island proud.

As the competition date approaches, the Nevisian community rallies behind their debating team, offering encouragement and financial support. The fundraising efforts reflect a collective understanding of the significance of this event and the importance of providing the team with the resources they need to succeed. The team’s dedication, coupled with the island’s unwavering support, creates a sense of unity and shared purpose, fostering an environment conducive to achieving their goals. The LIDC serves as a platform for showcasing the intellectual talent of Nevisian youth and fostering a culture of critical thinking and persuasive communication. The team’s journey embodies the island’s commitment to education and its belief in the power of young people to make a positive impact on the regional stage.