Grenada Wins the High-Stakes OECS Debate on Plastic Pollution

The Recycle OECS Windward Islands Inter-Collegiate Debate finals saw Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) of Saint Lucia face off against T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) of Grenada in a heated debate on reducing plastic pollution.

SALCC’s Shine Savory and Sade Gustave argued that responsible consumption is the key to tackling plastic waste. “Even if every OECS resident placed plastic waste in the correct bins, based on actual global recycling trends and the limitations of recycling infrastructure and technology in SIDs like ours, half of it still couldn’t be recycled. The best solution is to reduce our dependence on plastic altogether,” Savory stated.

TAMCC’s Kia Marryshow and Joshua Noel countered with a strong defense of recycling systems, arguing that an improved waste management approach is necessary. “If governments fail to take a transformational approach, then every problem looks insurmountable. Recycling systems must be expanded and refined to make a real difference,” Noel emphasized.

SALCC highlighted the inefficiency of recycling in small economies, calling for corporate accountability. “Responsible consumption is not just more effective; it is essential. Governments must enforce policies to shift consumer habits,” Gustave argued. Meanwhile, TAMCC presented a pragmatic stance, emphasizing that plastic pollution is an immediate crisis. “We need solutions that work now. That means enforcing and improving recycling systems,” Marryshow stated.

TAMCC emerged victorious with 1,042 points to SALCC’s 1,025, while SALCC’s Shine Savory was named Best Speaker.

Chamberlain Emmanuel, Head of Environment and Sustainability at the OECS Commission, praised the event: “This debate empowers youth to be change-makers. Their insights will influence policy and inspire environmental stewardship.”

Supported by Unicomer St. Lucia, the debate showcases the region’s commitment to youth engagement in sustainability.