FOR THE FIRST time, Barbados will be represented on the international school debating stage later this month.
A group of six Harrison College students will fly Barbados’ flag in Scotland on August 15 when they go up against students from more than 40 other countries in the World Schools Debating Championships.
Faculty advisor for the 30-strong Harrison College Debating Society, Carl Applewhaite Jr., said the society went through many local competitions, winning most of them, in order to be accepted on the world stage.
“We applied to the championships committee after we met the criteria by participating and winning most of the local competitions. The only other Caribbean country there will be Bermuda,” he said.
One member, Ikwo Morris, said the students were unsure when they received the news at first but gained confidence over time.
Another debater, Matthew Kodilinye, said it was a pleasure to be chosen to go up against so many other countries and they knew it was going to be tough.
Kemar Roberts said their real weakness was their inexperience but this could actually work in their favour as they would not be taking anyone for granted.
The students said teams such as England, which has won more debating championships than any other country; Canada, last year’s champions, and China were countries to look out for but they felt confident.
The team will leave tomorrow for Trinidad and Tobago, to take part in a science forum, returning on August 14.
The students will depart for Scotland the day after, staying until August 26, the day after the competition ends.
Applewhaite said they raised most of the $30 000 required for the trip on their own with some help from donations and companies. (CA)
