Campus B is functioning well as a breeding ground for competitive debates by Campus A students at the level of the Leeward Islands Debating Competition. The practice sessions, under the direction of Language Teacher, dramatist and public speaker, Colin Johnson, have been going on for sometime and reached a stage late last week when the debate for that day was broadcast live on Radio Anguilla.

Student body at Campus B Debate

The topic for the debate was “Females who experience extremely risky pregnancy should have the option of abortion." The proponents were Aron Duncan and Molentiya Samuels and the opponents were Tishon Gumbs and Jahvade Martin. The selected debaters are a two each combination of first and second formers.

“We started the debates over here [at Campus B] because we have a senior arm at Campus A and the students involved there normally participate in the Leeward Islands debate, and I believe that this should be breeding ground for the Campus A debaters,” Mr. Johnson told The Anguillian.

“It was actually the brainchild of a couple of children who said they wanted to start their own debate so that they could prepare for when they go over to Campus A. Not only that: it helps to develop their speaking ability. It also gives them an opportunity to research and to write constructively.”

Just before the judges gave their decision, Mr. Johnson asked the student audience: “Tell me what you think: abort of not to abort?”

“Not to abort,” the spontaneous reply came.

Teacher Colin Johnson (centre) with Debaters

The students performed exceptionally well in the debate, having obviously done much research and having had other assistance. The scores for the proponents were Aron Duncan 70.5 points and Molentiya Samuels 64, amounting to a total of 134.5 points. The opponents, Tishon Gumbs and Jhavade Martin, who were adjudged as the best speakers, tied with a score of 76 points which totaled 152, thus making them the winners of the debate.

The Debate Executive comprises the following persons: President: David Fiffe; Vice
President: Syrena Rogers; Secretary: Hackeem Alvees; Assistant Secretary: Cordell
Domar; Treasurer: Mia Hughes; Assistant Treasurer; Melissa Harrigan; Public
Relations Officers: Ashorn Hodge and Merlika Maglorie.

The sponsors were ANGLEC, Calvin and Lyn Bartlett, Paragon Corporate Services, Essential Office Supplies, Donald and Fiona Curtis, Vanterpool’s Services and Tropical
Sunset.

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