In an unexpected twist, the highly anticipated debate on climate change—focused on superstorms, earthquakes, and their impact on tourism—was postponed due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Beryl.
The storm wreaked havoc on St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Barbados, and Jamaica.
Meanwhile, in the semi-final round of the cybersecurity and artificial intelligence debate, Elmore Stoutt High from the British Virgin Islands triumphed over Jamaica’s Knox College with a score of 1038 to 996.
This victory secured their place in the finals, where they faced off against Precious Treasures International School from Turks and Caicos.
The intense competition took place on Monday, July 9th, 2024, and was broadcast live across various platforms, including YouTube and the Turks and Caicos Ministry of Tourism’s Facebook page.
The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and other Caribbean delegates enthusiastically supported their respective teams during the match.
Notably, Naomi Onwufuju of the British Virgin Islands team received the best speaker award. Team Turks and Caicos, consisting of Ms. Ade Cushnie, Ms. Kiarah McLean, and Mr. Theo Silva, put up a strong fight, but Elmore Stoutt High emerged as the winners with a score of 941, narrowly defeating Precious Treasures with 934 points.
The coaching staff included Ms. Luciana Weekes from the BVI and Ms. Maurissa Horne from Turks and Caicos.
Adjudicators were Chief Judge Attorney-At-law (Bahamas) Bertha Cooper-Rousseau, Dennis Chung Jamaica) Chairman of the Office of Disaster Preparedness, Emergency and Management, and Ms. Judy Deterville representative from Sandals St. Lucia, the current title sponsors of the competition.