he Elmore Stoutt High School (top) and the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS) have advanced to the finals of the 2025 Inter-Secondary School Debate Competition. Photo: Facebook

Miss Kellycian Paul from VISTS was named the Best Speaker in debate one. Photo: Facebook

The Best Speaker in debate two was Miss Carey-ann McKie of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary. Photo: Facebook

The semi-final round took place on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the New Testament Church of God International Worship Centre’s Activity Hall in Baughers Bay.

In the first debate of the semi-final round, St George’s Secondary School (opposition) and the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (proposition) will debate the moot: Year-round tourism is both achievable and sustainable in the Virgin Islands.

Miss Kellycian Paul from VISTS was named the Best Speaker in debate one.

'This was a debate'- Chief Adjudicator

The Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary (proposition) debated the Elmore Stoutt High School (opposition) on the Moot: Mental Health services should be mandated in all educational institutions in the Virgin Islands in the second debate.

Chief Adjudicator for Debate Two Mrs Kimberly Crabbe-Adams expressed pride in the students saying, “This was a debate.”

Before giving the results, she revealed, “It came down to the rebuttal…it was a great debate, I am really pleased, I am really proud of both teams.”

The Best Speaker in debate two was Miss Carey-ann McKie of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary.

The two schools will face off in the Inter-Secondary School Debate Competition finals on March 12, 2025.

The teams will debate the Moot: Compared to traditional schooling a S.T.E.A.M focused education system better prepares students for the future.

Elmore Stoutt High School won the 2024 edition of the Inter-Secondary School Debate Competition.