Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (Wednesday, April 28, 2021) – The FortisTCI National High School Science Debate concluded at the company’s headquarters on Providenciales with a matchup between H.J. Robinson High School and Precious Treasures International School. In the end, it was Antwon Walkin, Talya Smith and Marc Charles competing for Precious Treasures International School who emerged as the winners of the first FortisTCI National High School Science Debate.
This inaugural debate was live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube, and the competition spanned three days, with preliminary rounds between eight schools on Monday, April 26. Winners from day one moved onto the semi-finals on Tuesday, April 27, before day two winners proceeded to the finals on Wednesday, April 28. Teams debated on a varied number of topics that touched on some of the world’s most pressing matters.
FortisTCI President and CEO said, “I am pleased that despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, FortisTCI was able to once again partner with the Ministry of Education to showcase that our commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education remains steadfast. We want to do more to ensure that our young people get the STEM education and opportunities they need to solve the problems of our world. Providing opportunities such as this, for our students to ask questions and debate some of the top current global issues, ignites their imaginations and helps direct them towards further study and careers through which they can make a lasting impact.”
Mrs. Forbes continued, “I want to thank the Ministry of Education, the judges and hosts, as well as the organizing teams at FortisTCI. On behalf of my colleagues, I also send a hearty congratulations to Precious Treasures International School and all of the participants for a job well done. We look forward to hosting the next science debate in 2022.”
H.J. Robinson and Precious Treasures International School students won 8th generation iPads. H.J. Robinson earned $500 toward their school’s science program and Precious Treasures International School earned $1,000 toward their school’s science program. The winning students were also awarded $1,000 educational grants.
FortisTCI National High School Science Debate Results:
Day 1 (Preliminary):
Debate #1 - H.J. Robinson (Negative) vs. Wesley Methodist (Affirmative)
Topic: Should humans invest in technology to explore and colonize other planets?
Winner: H.J. Robinson
Debate #2 - Marjorie Basden (Negative) vs. Holy Family Academy (Affirmative)
Topic: Should humans pursue the development of artificial intelligence?
Winner: Holy Family Academy
Debate #3 - International School (Negative) vs. Precious Treasures International School (Affirmative)
Topic: Does art inspire technology or does technology inspire art?
Winner: Precious Treasures International School
Debate #4 - British West Indies Collegiate (Affirmative) vs. Raymond Gardiner (Negative)
Topic: Does fishing threaten the sustainability of the marine ecosystem?
Winner: British West Indies Collegiate
Day 2 (Semi-finals):
Debate #1 - H.J. Robinson (Affirmative) vs. Holy Family Academy (Negative)
Topic: Does technology intensify human communication?
Winner: H.J. Robinson
Debate #2 - Precious Treasures international School (Affirmative) vs. British West Indies Collegiate (Negative)
Topic: Is climate change irreversible?
Winner: Precious Treasures International School
Day 3 (Finals):
Precious Treasures international School (Affirmative) vs. H.J. Robinson (Negative)
Topic: Should the Caribbean depend on fossil fuels or renewable energy?
Winner: Precious Treasures international School
Participating Students:
Precious Treasures: Antwon Walkin , Talya Smith and Marc Charles
H.J. Robinson: Ashley McAnuff, Adrienne Parry and Shaina Forbes
Holy Family Academy: Luis Serpas, Keegan Forbes and Gianna Aquino
British West Indies: Angelina Lindenhahn, Anika Harry and Evadne Gardiner
Raymond Gardiner: Davar Lewis, Cameron Handfield and Archelande Joseph
Wesley Methodist: Deangelo Missick, Mya Stubbs and Nzaandi Martin
International School: Pavla Lalakova, Rose Clare and Noah Topper
Marjorie Basden: Jordinnae Williams, Kaylani Handfield and Queen Forbes
