Last Updated on March 15, 2026, 11:54 PM AST by Anthony Morris
Nevis was hosted to the opening of the 54th annual Leeward Islands Debating Competition (LIDC). The event was hosted on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre (NEPAC).
This is a historic day in the history of the island as this is the first time in nearly a decade that Nevis has hosted the prestigious regional event.
Student delegations have arrived for the debate competition from across the Leeward Islands. The participating nations include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, and host nation Nevis.
The LIDC is one of the Caribbean’s premier youth debating forums, engaging with complex socio-political issues affecting the region.
Minister of Education in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), Troy Liburd, officially declared the competition open on Thursday. During his visit, he highlighted that debate was a tool for fostering analytical thinking, civic engagement, and leadership.
“Debating is not merely the art of speaking eloquently or prevailing in an argument,” he said. “It cultivates clarity of thought, careful weighing of evidence, and the respectful contest of ideas. Disagreement guided by reason and mutual respect is a strength, not a weakness.”
He highlighted the importance of the event for the youngsters of the country. Minister Troy Liburd said that the ability to think critically, listen attentively, and respond with reasoned judgment remains a virtue of the highest order. This ability is especially crucial for the world of today where the people have lost the ability to express their opinion by putting thought behind it.
The first debate of the LIDC was between St Kitts and Montserrat, on the topic: “U.S. deportation policies are a major catalyst for crime in the Caribbean,”
After a lively competition, Montserrat beat St Kitts 610 points to 591. LIDC 54 will continue over the coming days, culminating in the championship debate on Sunday. The tournament also had a match on Friday, March 13, at 7:00 p.m., with St. Maarten facing Anguilla under the moot: “Ministerial interference in the public sector undermines good governance in the Caribbean.”
Team Nevis are the 2024 champions of the Leeward Islands Debate Competition, and made their first appearance on Saturday evening, aiming to use home support to secure a place in Sunday’s finals.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
