According to research, people fear public speaking even more than death (tandfonline.com). That makes standing up and speaking clearly, confidently, and under pressure no small feat. But six students from Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School and Anguilla Community College 6th Form, faced that fear head-on, traveling to Nevis to represent Anguilla at the 54th Leeward Islands Debating Competition (LIDC).
Competing against teams from Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis and Saint Martin, our students held their own with confidence, sharp thinking, and teamwork.
Debating isn’t just about talking, it’s about detailed research, late-night practice, quick thinking, and being ready to structure counterpoints logically and persuasively. The ALHCS/ACC team spent weeks preparing, balancing schoolwork with their training, practicing speeches, and learning how to work as a well-coordinated team.
The team had six students, with two speakers debating each night. By the semi-finals, four of them had the chance to take the stage. Everyone had a role: the first speaker sets the debate, grabs the judges’ attention, and handles quick rebuttals, while the second speaker closes the argument effectively.
The team didn’t function alone—they had strong support behind the scenes. Staff sponsors Mr. Carl Whyte and Mrs. Charmaine Rey-Richardson made sure everything ran smoothly, from travel arrangements to accommodation. Coaches Ms. Dayna Conner and Mr. Aaron Adams guided the students on research, speech writing, delivery, body language, and pronunciation, making sure they were fully prepared for every challenge.
Team Anguilla was the proposition for all three debates on the topics:
? Ministerial interference in the public sector undermines good governance in the Caribbean
? Regional integration should be prioritized over global alliances
? Caribbean governments should provide free undergraduate education
Practice sessions were not just about memorizing speeches. Students worked on their listening skills, adept thinking, and ability to respond quickly to opposing arguments while maintaining composure. The debaters had only five minutes to prepare rebuttals, so quick thinking was essential to respond effectively. They held late-night practice sessions at the hotel in Nevis to simulate real debate conditions. To calm their nerves some debaters listened to gospel music before going on stage.
The team’s hard work paid off. Ms. Abigail Campbell, the first speaker for the debate on ministerial interference, won Best Speaker—a rare achievement for a first speaker. The team finished as third runner-up, showing improvement from last year. This placement didn’t just mark a ranking, it reflected the growth and dedication of the team. “While we aimed for first place, it showed us how far we have come and motivated us to continue improving. It also reminded us that success is not just about winning, but about growth, effort, and performance.”
Even more important than the awards were the lessons learned: staying calm under pressure, thinking critically on your feet, and learning how to communicate clearly. These are skills the students will carry far beyond debate. LIDC is not only about winning trophies, it is also about making connections. Students from across the Caribbean meet not just as competitors, but as peers—sharing ideas, building friendships, and learning from one another. For the ALHCS team, it was a chance to meet fellow students from different islands and experience the Caribbean community at its best.
Debate teaches confidence, teamwork, and quick thinking. It helps students speak with purpose and listen carefully. For the ALHCS/ACC team, it showed that hard work, preparation, and belief in themselves could take them far. As a final note, team member Denari Gumbs shared advice to students who may be considering joining the Debate Club: “Don’t be afraid to try. Debate helps you build confidence, improve your speaking skills, and think critically. Even if you feel nervous at first, the experience is incredibly rewarding and will help you grow both academically and personally. The skills fostered from debate today will stay with you for a lifetime.”
