Charlestown, Nevis
March 04, 2008
Premier of Nevis and Minister of Education in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Hon. Joseph Parry and Mrs. Parry showed their support for team Nevis during the 2008 Leeward Islands Debating Competition which concluded in St. Kitts at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel and Casino in Bird Rock, St. Kitts on March 02, 2008.
At the end of the two day contest which brought together contestants from Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat and St. Maarten. Mr. Parry told the Department of Information that the NIA would continue to throw its support behind students and would make the necessary input to nurture and groom potential debaters who possessed good oratorical skills and demonstrated effective research prowess for future contests.
However, during Nevis’ short lived participation in the contest, Ms, Micaia Mills and Ms. Sachia Godet opposed the Moot “Vocational qualification is far more valuable than a university degree” against their opponent St. Maarten.
The evening climaxed with mixed feelings for team Nevis who were unsuccessful in their bid to win the competition.
Notwithstanding, at the end of a cultural presentation which formed part of the activities, Nevis received an outstanding ovation from the packed audience when they staged a fashion show which showcased a line of African wear by Nevis designer Ms. Eater Brookes.
They drew a large applause for their cultural presentation which included a well choreographed dance and musical rendition of King Meeko’s calypso “Nevis nice”.
Host country St Kitts won the 2008 George Irish Oratorical Award. Melissa Bryant from St Kitts captured the overall Best Speaker award.
St Maarten is posed to host the 2009 Leeward Islands Debating Competition.
Nevis first captured the Oratorical Award in 1985 and their winning streak continued in 1991, 1992, 1995, and 2000. Nevis last won the Oratorical award in 2004, when it hosted the LIDC.
Nevis first entered the LIDC as a team sometime in 1981/1982. Prior to that period, St Kitts and Nevis debated as one team.