MAHO--Students of schools in St. Maarten and around the region are participating in the annual Leeward Islands Debating Competition (LIDC) hosted at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino February 25-28.
The St. Maarten team prepared at St. Maarten Academy for hours before going back to the hotel to be in the opening ceremony.
Students will debate a number of topics, including: Legislatively removing corporal punishment will be detrimental to Caribbean societies; The free movement of Caricom nationals is a net positive for the Caribbean region; The illegal drug trade has undermined the legitimacy and effectiveness of Caribbean Governments; The Caribbean is not doing enough to combat child abuse; The popularity of skin lightening is testament to the racism/colourism that plagues Caribbean society; and The marginalisation of men has led to the breakdown of Caribbean society.
The event is being hosted by Hyacinth Richardson Educational Awareness Foundation, which has been involved in the competition for 11 years. Participating teams are from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Kitts and host St. Maarten.
A different island serves as host each year and the LIDC alliance contributes to the overall economy and tourism of the host country. Medgar Evers College of City University of New York and LIDC Foundation will serve as hosts for this year’s finalists at a weekend exhibition debate at the end of March. The college will be sending observer Milton Lawrence to the debate. The debates begin at 7:00pm and entrance is free every night.
