Seven schools progress to round two of the Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition

Reports indicate that his year’s secondary school debating season is showing early indications that it will be a highly competitive run. Seven educational institutions advanced to Round Two of the 2026 Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition after a rigorous knockout session.

According to a press release from organizers, the event began on Thursday, January 22, featuring a departure from traditional formats. Instead of team-based debates, individual students represented each school, with progression determined solely by personal scores.

On the first day, six schools debated the motion, “Local communities should have veto power over projects that significantly affect their environment.”

The schools participating were Orion Academy, Isaiah Thomas Secondary School, Wesley High School, St. Mary’s Academy, Convent High School, and Arthur Waldron Seventh-Day Adventist Academy.

The knockout stage continued on Friday, January 23, with Castle Bruce Secondary School, St. Martin Secondary School, and Portsmouth Secondary School debating the motion, “The legal driving age in Dominica should be lowered to increase youth independence and national productivity.”

According to the release, following these debates, seven students attained the highest scores, earning their schools a spot in the next round. Leading the pack was Shanaiyah John from St. Martin Secondary School, with the top score of 341 points. Wesley High School’s Hephzibah Abenole scored 328 points, and Orion Academy’s Taya Charles earned 320 points.

Convent High School advanced with Sienna Andrew, who scored 317 points; Portsmouth Secondary’s Maliah Ettienne achieved 302 points; Castle Bruce Secondary’s Isaac Roberts scored 299 points; and Isaiah Thomas Secondary’s Kianna Aaron finished with 288 points.

Just below the qualification threshold, two schools narrowly missed out. Lucas Sorhaindo of St. Mary’s Academy scored 286 points, while Khaleed Colaire from Arthur Waldron Seventh-Day Adventist Academy earned 263 points.

These seven schools will proceed to Round Two, scheduled for February 25 and 26, where they will be joined by the reigning champions, Dominica Grammar School.

Organizer Trudy Christian remarked that the round was both challenging and insightful, revealing the considerable talent among this year’s participants, as per the release.

She emphasized that the tight competition and impressive performances suggest that 2026 will be an exceptional year for the event.

Christian also acknowledged the support of the sponsors, particularly highlighting main sponsor Josephine Gabriel & Co. Ltd., for its ongoing commitment to youth development and fostering meaningful national dialogue.