2025 IRDC
‘This House believes that teaching the history of the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans does more harm than good.’ This was the motion at the grand finals of the Centre for Reparation Research’s (CRR) inaugural staging of the International Reparation Debate Competition for secondary school students. The final debate which was hosted by Mrs. Dionne Jackson Miller took place on April 25, 2025, at the Winston Bailey Seminar Room, UWI Regional Headquarters, with guest judges including British High Commissioner, Her Excellency Judith Slater, and Professor Rupert Lewis, Member of the National Reparation Council in Jamaica. After a compelling and high-level exchange, St Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain (Trinidad & Tobago), emerged victorious over Clarendon College (Jamaica) to claim the title of grand champions.
The competition brought together students from across the Caribbean and the UK in a historic initiative designed to engage youth in critical conversations around reparatory justice, historical truth, and global accountability. Since its launch, the initiative has served as a vibrant platform for education, research, and advocacy among secondary school students.
The road to the finals was by no means smooth for either team, with St. Joseph Convent POS emerging as a wildcard after losing in the first round to Montego Bay High School from Jamaica. Clarendon College's biggest challenge came in the latter rounds when they narrowly escaped heavyweight challengers like Montego Bay High and crowd favourite Queens College from Guyana. Friday’s final featured outstanding research, passionate delivery, and sharp argumentation as both teams debated the ethics and the need for a balanced and trauma-informed approach to teaching this history, emphasising the importance of including African civilisations and resistance leaders in the curriculum. The judges commended the students for their depth of knowledge and confidence in addressing complex issues.
The champion received trophies and cash awards in the amount of over 3000 USD. The second, third, and fourth place teams were also similarly awarded. Kellis Mitchell from St Joseph Convent was crowned the grand final's best debater and received a certificate and cash award for her efforts. In addition to the championship title, awards were presented in categories including Outstanding Male Debater (Sheldon Ramdhan), Best Overall Debater (Julianne Solomon), Best Reply Speaker (Honessa Clayton), Spirit Award (Kaysie Marin), Young Visionary Award (Clara Byford), Most Improved School (St. Joseph Convent POS), and Most Involved School (Glenmuir High School), celebrating excellence in communication, strategy, and engagement throughout the competition.
Professor Sonjah Stanley Niaah, Director of the Centre for Reparation Research, stated:
“This debate is more than a competition—it’s a movement. These students represent a generation that is thinking critically about justice and working boldly toward transformation.”
Dr Hilary Brown, Programme Manager (Culture) and Directorate of Human and Social Development CARICOM Secretariat, encouraged students to continue researching and advocating for reparatory justice in their schools and communities.
The Centre extends sincere thanks to all participating schools, coaches, judges, volunteers, and partners who made the initiative a success. The competition was also supported by the Repair Campaign, Jamaica Association for Debating and Empowerment (JADE), UWI TV, and other regional collaborators.
