CHARLESTOWN: The 54th Leeward Islands Debating Competition (LIDC 54) officially gets underway today in Nevis, bringing together young debaters from across the region — including two squads representing the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Nevis, hosting the competition for the first time in recent memory, fields a six-member team drawn from Nevis Sixth Form College. Representing the island are Kiara Barry, Rajaun Fyfield, Keyana Warner, Shirmia Thompson, Kijari Huggins, and Tahleya Phillip — all selected by the Nevis Literary and Debating Society.
St. Kitts enters the competition through Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC), with debaters Taeja Tate, D’Jaaden Dunrod, Fraimer De La Cruz, Lyzette James, Kaylah Penny, and Chereece Antoine flying the sister island’s flag.
The competition, held at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre (NEPAC) from March 12–15, will also see participation from Antigua & Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, and St. Maarten. Debates will tackle some of the most pressing regional issues, including US deportation policies, ministerial interference in the public sector, and whether Caribbean governments should fund free tertiary education.
Eyes will be on Nevis particularly in the semi-finals on Saturday, March 14, when the defending champions — who last captured the title at the 2024 edition held in St. Kitts — will argue the moot: “Regional integration should be prioritized over global alliances.”
The Nevis Literary and Debating Society is urging the public to attend and cheer on the competing teams. The opening ceremony takes place this evening at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park.
THE TEAMS:
Team Nevis — Nevis Sixth Form College
Kiara Barry
Rajaun Fyfield
Keyana Warner
Shirmia Thompson
Kijari Huggins
Tahleya Phillip
Team St. Kitts — Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC)
Taeja Tate
D’Jaaden Dunrod
Fraimer De La Cruz
Lyzette James
Kaylah Penny
Chereece Antoine
LIDC 54 runs March 12–15, 2026 at NEPAC, Nevis. Finals begin Sunday, March 15 at 5:00 p.m.