In a historic win that spotlighted youth voices in the global reparations conversation, Trinidad and Tobago’s St. Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain clinched victory over Jamaica’s Clarendon College in the grand finals of The University of the West Indies’ (UWI) inaugural International Reparation Debate.
Held on April 25 at The UWI Regional Headquarters in Jamaica and moderated by renowned journalist Dionne Jackson Miller, the final round saw the all-girls school successfully argue the motion, “This House believes that teaching the history of the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans does more harm than good.” Despite the controversial nature of the topic, the team’s sharp analysis, commanding delivery, and nuanced understanding earned them the top title.
The high-profile judging panel included Her Excellency Judith Slater, British High Commissioner to Jamaica, and Professor Rupert Lewis of Jamaica’s National Reparation Council. Their decision was unanimous: St. Joseph’s Convent POS emerged as the grand champion, taking home trophies and cash prizes totaling roughly US$3,000.
The debate series, hosted by UWI’s Centre for Reparations Research, brought together secondary school students from across the Caribbean and the United Kingdom in a vibrant, cross-cultural dialogue on reparatory justice, historical truth, and global accountability.
Individual accolades were also awarded. St. Joseph’s student Kellis Mitchell was named Best Debater of the Finals, while her teammate Julianne Solomon earned the Best Overall Debater title. Other standout awards included:
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Outstanding Male Debater: Sheldon Ramdhan, Barrackpore West Secondary (Trinidad & Tobago)
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Best Reply Speaker: Honessa Clayton, Montego Bay High (Jamaica)
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Spirit Award: Kaysie Marin, Arima North Secondary (Trinidad & Tobago)
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Young Visionary Award: Clara Byford, Rawlins Academy (UK)
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Most Improved School: St. Joseph’s Convent POS
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Most Involved School: Glenmuir High School (Jamaica)
St. Joseph’s Convent POS’s road to victory was anything but easy. The team initially lost in the first round to Montego Bay High but advanced to the finals as a wildcard. Clarendon College’s path was equally intense, having edged out tough competitors like Queen’s College (Guyana) in later rounds.
“This debate is more than a competition—it’s a movement,” said Professor Sonjah Stanley Niaah, Director of the Centre for Reparation Research. “These students represent a generation that is thinking critically about justice and working boldly toward transformation.”
Dr. Hilary Brown of the CARICOM Secretariat echoed that sentiment, urging students to continue advocating for reparatory justice within their communities.
Supported by the Jamaica Association for Debating and Empowerment (JADE), UWI TV, the Repair Campaign, and regional partners, the event was a landmark in youth-led advocacy on historical justice in the Caribbean and beyond.
