The finals of the Caribbean Union Bank Inter-secondary School Debate competition will take place on Tuesday, May 26, at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, with two schools set to face off on the topic of regional sovereignty and integration.

According to the Ministry of Education’s Education Broadcasting Unit, Sir Novelle Richards Academy will argue the proposition while St. Joseph’s Academy will oppose the moot: “CARICOM offers the best option for Member States to maintain their sovereignty.”

The debate is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. at the UWI Five Islands Campus and will also be streamed live on the Ministry of Education – Education Broadcasting Unit Facebook page.

Organisers said the event will showcase students’ critical thinking, confidence and leadership skills as the finalists compete in what has been described as a highly anticipated showdown.

The competition forms part of ongoing efforts to encourage public speaking, research and civic engagement among secondary school students in Antigua and Barbuda.