St. George’s Secondary School and Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies secured spots in the semi-finals of the 2025 Inter-Secondary School Debate Competition, joining defending champions Elmore Stoutt High School and Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary.
The schools advanced following Wednesday’s debates at the New Testament Church of God International Worship Centre in Baughers Bay, where competitors tackled topics ranging from agricultural self-sufficiency to special education testing.
Yasmine Sayed of St. George’s Secondary School earned Best Speaker honours in the opening debate, where her school successfully argued against Cedar International School’s position that agricultural self-sufficiency is unrealistic for the Virgin Islands.
In the day’s second match, Anaya Thomas of Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies claimed Best Speaker as her school prevailed over Claudia Creque Educational Centre in a debate about standardized testing for students with special educational needs.
The semi-finals, scheduled for February 26, will feature defending champions Elmore Stoutt High School facing Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary to debate mandatory mental health services in educational institutions. St. George’s Secondary and Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies will then debate the sustainability of year-round tourism in the territory.