Team Anguilla has emerged victorious in the 48th annual Leeward Islands Debating Competition (LIDC).
The team, led by Chief Staff Sponsor, Mrs. Charmaine Rey-Richardson, and comprising debaters from the Literary and Debating Society of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, staff sponsors and student supporters, were in Montserrat from the 26 February to 2 March where they engaged, along with Antigua, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, in the annual debating series over four (4) nights. The series was quite spirited with thought-provoking points delivered by all participants.
Anguilla progressed unchallenged to Round 2 where they met Team Montserrat and opposed the moot: “Online education is better than face-to-face education within the Caribbean context.” Anguilla, represented by Michelle Morancie and Aaivor Adams, won the round. Aaivor Adams of Anguilla was awarded Best Speaker of the Debate.
On Sunday evening, Anguilla, represented by Samisha Connor and Jesarni Gumbs, participated in the Finals against Nevis and opposed the moot: “The prevalence of chronic diseases supersedes unemployment as a significant hindrance to development in the Caribbean”. At the end, Anguilla was adjudged the winner. Best Speaker of the Debate was Samisha Connor who also captured Best Speaker Overall.
The Principal of the ALHCS along with other members of the Senior Management Team, members of the NYPD, the Student Council, relatives and well-wishers of the debaters, all gathered at the Clayton J Lloyd International Airport to welcome the Champions back home on Monday 2 March. This win sees Anguilla emerge as the Champion of LIDC for the eleventh time – more than any other territory.
The Principal, staff and students of the ALHCS are indeed proud of this achievement and wish to acknowledge the financial contributions towards the team’s participation in this year’s Competition: the Ministry of Education, the Department of Youth and Culture, the Anguilla Social Security Board, Advance Caribbean, Alex Richardson and Associates, Anguilla Electrical Centre Ltd, Anguilla Masonry Products, the Anguilla Teachers Union, Benjamine Group of Companies, Carimar, CIB Anguilla Ltd, D3 Enterprises, Department of Disaster Management, Lloyd Aviation Services, MAICO, Ministry of Social Development (Gender Affairs Unit), NCBA, Mr. B. Benn, Mr. John Benjamin, Mr. Philmore Lake, Residences by Cuisinart, Sunset Homes and Tropical Treats.
Team Anguilla 2020 Champions
Staff Sponsors:
1. Mrs. Charmaine Rey-Richardson – Chief Staff Sponsor
2. Mr. Dwayne Adams
3. Mrs. Dayna Connor
4. Mrs. Joselyn Theophile-Richardson
5. Mr. Franklin Brandon
6. Mr. Carl Whyte
Debaters:
1. Aaron Adams
2. Aaivor Adams – Best Speaker of Debate 3
3. Rhonica Connor
4. Samisha Connor – Best Speaker of Debate 5 and Best Speaker Overall
5. Jesarni Gumbs
6. Michelle Morancie
– Contributed