The semi-finals of the Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition took place on March 25 th 2024 at the Fort Young Hotel. St. Mary’s Academy took on the Arthur Waldron SDA Academy in the first semi-final debate. The SMA, represented by Noah Sorhaindo and Jelani Shillingford proposed the moot “It is the responsibility of the government to
urgently implement strategies to mitigate the damaging impacts of brain drain in
Dominica.” The SMA scored 701 points to Arthur Waldron SDA Academy’s 564.
Noah Sorhaindo of the SMA was adjudged the best speaker.
The Arthur Waldron SDA The Academy was represented by Reuan Thomas and Malia Bertrand. In the second semi-final debate, the Isaiah Thomas Secondary School challenged
the Orion Academy on the topic “Dominican youth have been given sufficient
opportunities to positively impact the economy.” The Orion Academy, represented
by Dymond Daniel and Ejahdi Jazz Maxwell, secured victory in this debate, scoring 654 points to ITSS’ 633. Dymond Daniel was adjudged the best speaker in this debate.
The ITSS was represented by Amelia Charles and Jo-Annel Serrant. The finals of the competition will be held on April 17th, 2024 at Truth & Grace Fellowship Global at 11 am. At the finals, the most memorable debaters of this year’s debate series will be highlighted and awarded prizes sponsored by Domlec. The winners of the final debate will receive an all-expenses paid trip for four to St. Lucia.
The top sponsors of this year’s competition are Josephine Gabriel & Co. Ltd, Lindo Mart, Fine Foods Inc. (KFC), Freeman Consulting Group LLC, DBS Radio, National Cooperative Credit Union, Western Illinois University, Insurance Company of the West Indies and Dr. Joshua Lloyd & Mrs. Karyncia Joseph-Lloyd.