ITSS wins second debate in round one of Inter-Secondary School Debating Competition; final competition today

In an exhilarating face-off, the second debate of Round One in the Inter-Secondary School Debate competition unfolded, with Amelia Charles and Jo-Annel Serrant securing victory for Isaiah Thomas Secondary School (ITSS). The competitions took place yesterday, January 18 at the Alliance Française de la Dominique, pitting them against two exceptional returning debaters Dianka George and Angel Eustache of St Martin Secondary School (SMSS). The topic under scrutiny was “There should be legislation introduced to restrict people from smoking in public spaces.” ITSS demonstrated exceptional prowess, cruising to victory with a total of 642 points, while the ladies of SMSS accumulated 586 points. During the results segment, it was announced that Amelia Charles of ITSS also earned the prestigious award for Best Speaker.

Post-win, the triumphant debaters shared their feelings of excitement with Dominica News Online (DNO). They expressed overall satisfaction, attributing their success to the rigorous training that commenced in December. Charles, desiring to become a lawyer, and Serrant, with political aspirations, acknowledged the instrumental role that competitions like these play in shaping their career paths. They emphasised the value of gaining new knowledge and interacting with diverse individuals. The determined duo is resolute in advancing to the next round of the competition, aiming to bring victory to their school on the West Coast during the grand finals.

Later that afternoon, Dominica Grammar School (DGS), represented by Elianette Joly and Kishma Theophile, and the reigning champions Arthur Waldron Seventh Day Academy, represented by Reuan Thomas and Malia Bertrand, engaged in a friendly yet highly engaging and top-quality debate. The topic centred on the prospect of introducing a sex offender registry in Dominica. In the aftermath of this friendly encounter, Elianette Joly (DGS) was honoured with the Best Speaker award, while Reuan Thomas received recognition for his exceptional oratory abilities.

In addition to ITSS, Orion Academy has already secured a spot in Round Two of the competition. They emerged as the first champions in Round One on January 17, 2024, defeating their opponents from Castle Bruce Secondary School (CBSS) on the topic “The privatisation of the energy sector in Dominica is the only way to realise efficient service.”
As the final leg of Round One unfolds today, January 19, 2024, at the UWI Global Campus Dominica starting at 2:30 pm, Wesley High School will be the proposing team, while Convent High School will be the opposing team. The focal point of their debate will be the topic, “Dominican students who receive government assistance to pursue higher education overseas should be obligated to return home for a set period after they have completed their studies.”

All schools succeeding in this round will progress to Round Two of the competition, scheduled for February 22 and 23, 2024. The second annual Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition, revitalised after a lengthy hiatus, is organised by the Dominica State College with support from partners and generous sponsors.

Dominica News Online will continue its live coverage of the debate today.