Basseterre, St. Kitts, 19th February,,2024 (CFBC): St. Kitts will play host to the2024 Leeward
Islands Debating Competition (LIDC), which will take place at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel
Conference Room in Frigate Bay, St. Kitts, from February 29th to March 4th,2024.
This year’s prestigious event will see six territories comprising Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda,
Montserrat, Nevis, St. Maarten and St. Kitts come together to showcase youth eloquence and
intellectual prowess.
Approximately 170 students between the ages of 15 and 2l are expected to participate in the LIDC.
The debaters from St. Kitts are Aquanje Robinson, Kaylah Penny, Kayla Butler, JahzaraGreene,
Daneisy Rawlins and Mikaelah Richardson.
Beyond the thrill of competition, LIDC offers many benefits for young debaters. As they engage
in spirited exchanges of ideas, they hone their debating skills and expand their cultural horizons.
The diversity represented by the participating territories provides a rich tapestry for cultural
exchange and fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sub-region’s heritage.
Through initiatives like the LIDC, a foundation is laid for a future generation of leaders equipped
with the skills and confidence to tackle the challenges of today’s and tomorow’s world.
Additionally, the LIDC serves as a platform for personal growth and development, showcases the
intellectual capabilities of the youth and underscores the importance of fostering a culture of
critical thinking and civil discourse within our communities. Participants emerge from the
competition with heightened self-confidence, having tested their abilities in a challenging and
intellectually stimulating environment. Through rigorous research, logical analysis, and persuasive
rhetoric, they sharpen essential skills invaluable for their academic and professional futures.
“We are thrilled to invite the public to join us in celebrating the intellectual prowess and cultural
diversity showcased at the Fifth-Second Annual Leeward Islands Debating Competition,”
remarked members of the organizingcommittee. “This event is not only an opportunity to witness
the talent of our youth, but also a chance to engage in meaningful dialogue on issues of importance
to our communities.”
In debate # 1, which takes place on March 1 at 10:00 am between Nevis and Montserrat, the moot
is “Higher education institutions should ban the use of ArtiJicial Intelligence in academic
discourse”, while Anguilla versus Antigua in debate #2 will argue the moot “social media is
detrimental to the Caribbean region’s cultural identity” at 1:00 pm.
In debate # 3 on Saturday, March 2 at 6:00 pm, St. Maarten will come up against the winner of
debate #1 with the moot “The Caribbean region is adequately prepared to respond to future
pandemics and crises”.
In debate #4, St. Kitts will take on the winner of debate #2 at 8 pm on March 2 with the moot
‘oCaribbean nations have sufficiently improved their education systems to prepare youthfor 2l’t
century challenges”.
On the final day of the competition on Sunday, March 3, at 5:00 pm, the winner of debate # 3 and
debate #4 will vie for the coveted title of LIDC champion. They will argue the moot “The feminist
movement has become focused on attacking men rather than promoting the equality of women”.
As the host island, St. Kitts is committed to ensuring a memorable and enriching experience for
all involved. From stimulating debate topics to immersive cultural experiences, participants can
expect a well-rounded programme that fosters personal and intellectual growth.
The public is invited to attend the Fifth-Second Annual Leeward Islands Debating Competition
and witness firsthand the talent and passion of the young debaters.
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