“The Young People Have Truly Done Themselves Proud”
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
March 03, 2010 (CUOPM)
The St. Kitts and Nevis participants in this weekend’s Leeward Islands Debating Competition have come in for high praise from the Federation’s Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas.
“The young people of St. Kitts and the young people of Nevis, sisters and brothers in our blessed two-island nation, marched proudly together toward the finish line symbols of youthful dedication, youthful commitment to excellence, youthful bravery and accomplishment, all,” said Dr. Douglas during his weekly radio call-in programme “Ask the Prime Minister” on Tuesday.
Dr. Douglas said it was extraordinary and very fitting that the young people of both of our islands would bring that proud mantle home together, in first and second place with St. Kitts getting a total of 651 points and Nevis, a total of 650.
“In an era of so many distractions and so many toxic options, we really must commend the coaches, the families, the teachers, and the communities who all did their part to keep these young debaters focused and on track over these many months of rigorous practice and tireless preparation,” said Dr. Douglas as he congratulated the St. Kitts Team Leader, Isalean Phillip, supported by Kasim Queeley and the Nevis Team Leader, Joanne Flemming, supported by Krysta Liburd.
He called on the Federation to give these young debaters the credit and recognition they deserve for having caused St. Kitts to be the first country or island – in the Leeward Islands to have won the competition three times in a row twice. And they have also caused St. Kitts to have won its tenth Leeward Islands Debating Competition more than any other country or island in the 38-year history of these competitions.
Dr. Douglas said that the young people have truly done themselves proud and it was with pride that he is able to talk about their accomplishments.