SA Students Join National Debate Team at WSDC Vietnam 2023

A group of students are representing Bermuda at an international debating competition in Vietnam.

The Bermuda national team are in Hanoi for the 35th annual world schools debating championships.

Bermuda has taken part in the global tournament involving 65 countries and territories, which takes place from tomorrow to July 28, since 1991.

This year marks the first time it has taken place in person since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The team has been preparing for the event for months and over the tournament will debate topics including self-determination for Somaliland, the benefits of agricultural co-operatives, and the nine planetary boundaries framework.

The tournament will also feature impromptu elements which will see teams given a topic with limited time to prepare.

Kijaun Millett, the Bermuda team coach, said: “We have a strong team of committed, hard working students, and I am looking forward to them showcasing their abilities in Vietnam.”

Brice Pursell, an adjudicator who will be responsible for determining the winner of a number of debates during the tournament, said: “I am excited to be able to play a role as an adjudicator and support our talented squad and have no doubt that we will all represent Bermuda extremely well.”

Jacari Brimmer-Landy, the Bermuda Debate Society president, said: “We’d like to thank the Centennial Foundation, Allied World Assurance company, and the Bermuda Community Foundation who have provided the funding to make Bermuda’s participation in this year’s championship possible.

“In addition, the Debate Society is grateful to RenaissanceRe, Conyers, Mosaic, AXA XL, and Somersfield Academy who aided and accommodated the team during tournaments and team meetings.”

The team comprises of Ava Gibson, 16, and Marli Spriggs, 17, who are both pupils at the Bermuda High School, Oliver Cherry, 16, and Ann Pursell, 15, both from Somersfield Academy, and Matthew Banner, 17, from Warwick Academy.

This article was originally published on www.royalgazette.com.