Sixty-four students from across the Cayman Islands gathered at Cayman Prep and High School on 1 March for the 14th Conyers Inter-Schools Debate Tournament. This tournament once again set attendance records, with over 160 participants including students, coaches, judges and other volunteers. Students from eight schools competed in the Novice and Open Divisions on the resolution that “THIS HOUSE WOULD delete s. 81 of the Cayman Islands Constitution, so that the Governor would have no reserved powers”, with two impromptu resolutions relating to Part IV of the Constitution.

The final round of the Open debate was judged by the Hon Mr Justice Doyle of the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands with members of the Cayman Islands Government in attendance including Governor of the Cayman Islands, His Excellency Mr Martyn Roper, Minister for Financial Services and Commerce, and Minister for Investment, Innovation and Social Development, the Honorable Mr Andre Ebanks, Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, the Honorable Mr Roy McTaggart, & Mrs Glenda McTaggart, and Member of Parliament for George Town South, Ms Barbara Conolly. Students from Cayman International School, Cayman Prep and High School, Clifton Hunter High School, Grace Christian Academy, Hope Academy, John Gray High School, Layman Scott High School and St Ignatius Catholic School all participated in this year’s debate.

The Conyers Inter-schools Debate Tournament is the only event of its kind in the Cayman Islands and challenges students twice per year to further develop, among other skills, critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking. “It’s truly remarkable to see the talents of these young students shine at this event year after year,” said Conyers Partner Cora Miller, who is overseeing the event. “Conyers is proud to give all students in the Cayman Islands the opportunity to showcase and progress their debate skills.”

Open Division Team Awards

  • Aleque Benjamin Bennett and Chad Powell, Jr., Clifton Hunter High School, First Place Team
  • Natalia Cugliari and George Zimmerman, Cayman International School, Runners Up

Open Individual Awards

  • Natalia Cugliari, Cayman International School, First Place Speaker

Novice Division Team Awards

  • Shankino Gayle and Jordan McDonald, John Gray High School, First Place Team

Novice Individual Awards

  • Jai Grinberg, Hope Academy, First Place Speaker

Author

Stay current with our latest legal insights and subscribe today