Debate Team Set To Compete In Vietnam
The 2023 Bermuda National Debate team is on its way to Hanoi, Vietnam to represent Bermuda at the 35th annual World Schools Debating Championships.
A spokesperson said, “Ava Gibson [16, BHS], Oliver ‘Olly’ Cherry [16, Somersfield Academy], Ann ‘Annie; Pursell [15, Somersfield Academy], Marli Spriggs [17, BHS], and Matthew Banner [17, Warwick Academy] make up the five-strong team who will be competing in the tournament due to kick off tomorrow, July 18th, through to the 28th. This tournament represents the height of senior school debate internationally, and Bermuda has participated since 1991.
“While the Covid-19 pandemic forced the tournament online, this year’s competition will be taking place in person for the first time since 2019 and over 65 nations are expected to attend.”
Ms Gibson, who is team captain for the second time, said, “We are excited for the opportunity to debate in person at this level, and we look forward to representing Bermuda and meeting debaters from other countries.”
The 2023 Bermuda National Debate Team: Ava Gibson, Marli Spriggs, Matthew Banner, Annie Pursell, Olly Cherry
The spokesperson said, “The team has been preparing since early this year and over 10 days will debate various topics including the World Bank Group, Somaliland Self-Determination, the benefits of agricultural cooperatives, and the nine planetary boundaries framework.
“This tournament will also feature various impromptu elements which will see teams given a topic with just one house to prepare before they are to debate their opponents.
“The team will be accompanied to Hanoi by Kijaun Millett, team coach, Rio Morton, team manager, and Brice Pursell, adjudicator.”
Mr. Millet said, “We have a strong team of committed, hardworking students and I am looking forward to them showcasing their abilities in Vietnam.”
Ava Gibson, Matthew Banner, Marli Spriggs, Rio Morton [Team Manager], Annie Pursell, Brice Pursell [2023 Adjudicator], Olly Cherry, C. Kijaun Millett [Team Coach]:
Mr. Pursell, who will be responsible for determining the winner of various debates throughout the tournament, said, “I am excited to be able to play a role as an adjudicator and support our talented squad. I’d like to thank the Debate Society for this opportunity, and have no doubt that we will all represent Bermuda extremely well.”
The spokesperson said, “The team is supported by the Bermuda Debate Society whose mission is to foster and encourage communication, critical thinking, confidence, and collaboration through the structured exchange of ideas and perspectives.”
Jacari Brimmer-Landy, 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 spokesperson said, “To find out more about the Bermuda Debate Society and the National Debate Team, visit debate.bm or email info@debate.bm.”
