Jamaican voted best speaker in int’l debate tournament

FROM APRIL 10-12, two elite debate teams from the Jamaican Association for Debating and Empowerment (JADE) Limited and the St Thomas Renaissance Foundation (STTRF) participated in the 2025 Bluebonnet World Schools Debate International Tournament held at Grand Oaks High School in Spring, Texas

The JADE Secondary Level Gold Club (SLGC) team comprised Kyona Cunningham (St Jago High), Jonathan Shaw (Campion College) and Joshua Walcott (Campion College), who competed in the Varsity division of the tournament.

Though they won only one of five matches, their participation was marked by growth and recognition, including Kyona Cunningham receiving best-speaker awards in two rounds based on speaker scores.

Coach Kevonn Grant, who served as on-site coach and a finals adjudicator, praised the team’s resilience and noted several critical areas of focus for future growth, including stronger internal cohesion, more dynamic motion framing, and enhanced technique with points of information and rebuttals, JADE said.

The novice team representing STTRF and consisting of Kristina Wheeler and Omario Burke of Morant Bay High School, and Shaquala Gordon (Robert Lightbourne High School), also made an impressive debut, securing two match wins, with Omario Burke snatching the International Novice Top Speaker Award, “a remarkable achievement in their first international appearance under this format”.

The students reported significant learning from the tournament’s impromptu format and rigorous time constraints, and have committed to refining their skills through continued practice and exposure, JADE also said.

The teams also participated in the tournament’s culture night, where they exchanged national memorabilia and engaged with their peers from across continents. Social events, including group outings to arcades, malls, and the cinema, were parts of the itinerary. The delegation was hosted by Honorary Consul Khalfani Omari Fullerton, who arranged a private educational tour of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

The experience also included a VIP section walkthrough and inspirational conversations about the global contributions of Jamaicans in science, law, and public service. The students also visited the Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Houston, where they learned about environmental conservation, biodiversity, and the global role of sustainable development.

“This was more than just a tournament; it was a profound journey of growth, learning, and pride,” said Kevonn Grant, assistant coach of the JADE SLGC. “While we saw where improvements are needed technically, we also saw the spark of excellence that will guide the next generation of Jamaican debaters forward.”

Shelly-Ann Thompson, STTRF team manager, said, “This opportunity has strengthened our students’ confidence and broadened their worldview. From overcoming the challenges of impromptu speaking to building lasting friendships with international peers, they’ve returned with a renewed sense of purpose and national pride.”

JADE and the STTRF are now reviewing their training models to further develop the technical and strategic skills required for success on the world stage. Jamaica’s presence at the Bluebonnet Tournament is expected to become a fixture in future years, as the experience continues to prove invaluable for young leaders in training.

The Jamaican Association for Debating and Empowerment Limited is a leading entity in competitive academic training in Jamaica, providing structured debate, leadership development, and critical thinking programmes to students across the island, while “the St Thomas Renaissance Foundation champions the socio-economic advancement of St Thomas through youth empowerment initiatives, including the acclaimed Paul Bogle and Warriors Debate Competition.