The battle of exchanging words and ideas was on display last week at the University of the South Pacific as high schools across the country vied for the Education Week/Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day debate championship.
The debate competition sprung into action starting from the preliminary rounds in the morning February 27. The topic for the debate was: “The US should acknowledge that all atolls in the RMI were affected by the nuclear testing program and provide all benefits, including the Extraordinary Needs Distribution, to all atolls.”
The three-on-three debate intensified as the last three schools — Marshall Islands High School, Majuro Cooperative School, and Kwajalein High School — entered the semifinals. MIHS had two debating teams facing Co-op and KAHS separetely. After a nail-biting performance, Co-op and KAHS advanced to the finals. The flip of the coin put KAHS in the affirmative and Co-op in the opposition on the topic.
The championship round was judged by Maloelap’s Member of Parliament Bruce Bilimon, Chief Secretary Kino Kabua, Traditional Rights Court Judge Claire Loeak, CMI Student Government Association President Wilmer Joel, and Raphael Pangalangan from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The affirmative team consisted of Jesse Riketa, Isaiah Thromman, and Mark Mark, while the opposing side was Jayson Capelle, Emily Sokimi, and Nora Bolasina.
After a constant barrage of rhetoric between both teams, Co-op was proclaimed the winner. The evidence presented and how the team handled themselves in the crossfire were the major factors in the victory.
Tebina Hicking of MIHS won best in debate after demonstrating her tenacity and grit in her debating skills.
Public School System Commissioner Dr. Natalie Nimmer said a debate is where “we sharpen our understanding and sharpen our voices. May this discussion inspire future learning and actions in the pursuit of justice for these islands and our people.”