The Sint Maarten Youth Parliament moved one step closer to crowning this year’s champion as the Annual Interscholastic Debate Competition continued on Saturday, November 15. Four schools competed: Milton Peters College, St. Maarten Academy, St. Dominic High, and Caribbean International Academy.
In the first matchup, Milton Peters College defended the moot on digital privacy and safe technology use, but St. Dominic High won the debate. Gabriella Pauletta of MPC was named Best Speaker.
The second contest featured Caribbean International Academy and St. Maarten Academy debating whether cultural preservation should fall on academic institutions. St. Maarten Academy secured the win, with Best Speaker honors going to Awdja Bernabe.
With both schools victorious, St. Dominic High and St. Maarten Academy advanced to the AIDC Final. The championship debate is scheduled for Saturday, November 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the University of St. Martin. St. Dominic High will defend the moot questioning whether modern carnival preserves culture among youth.
Admission was set at two dollars, with refreshments on sale. The Youth Parliament encouraged the public to come out and support their favorite team.