The T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) proudly announces that its debate team has emerged victorious at the Recycle OECS Windward Islands Inter-College Debate.
The finals of the competition were held on Wednesday, 19 February 2025. Competing against some of the most talented debaters from colleges in the Windward Islands on topics surrounding the theme of Recycling and the Environment, the TAMCC team showcased exceptional skill, eloquence, and teamwork that led them to clinch the title of champions.
Representing TAMCC, Khia Marryshow, Aayla John, Joshua Noel, and Tarique Miller faced 2 rounds of competition. During the semi-final round of the competition, TAMCC faced the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) on the moot “Sustainable financing mechanisms are necessary for long-term waste management solutions in the OECS” where their persuasive style and well-structured arguments ultimately secured their victory and placed them in the finals. TAMCC obtained 987 points, while SVGCC obtained 881 points.
TAMCC then faced the team from St Lucia’s Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) and delivered compelling arguments, supported by extensive research and real-world examples, to oppose the moot “Responsible consumption is more effective than improving recycling systems in reducing plastic pollution in our region.” TAMCC secured 1,042 points, while SALCC secured 1,025 points.
“This win is a testament that discipline and hard work can always allow for success and this is an example of it materialising here today,” said Besha Ottley, the team’s coach and the chair of the Department of Business and Office Administration. “Preparing took a lot of time, dedication and discipline among the students as well as the coaches. We made a lot of sacrifices to prepare the speeches and engage in research. It was a very taxing but rewarding process.” The team was also coached by Merlisia John, Dean of the School of Applied Arts and Technology.
Speaking on his experience in the competition, debater Joshua Noel, a Natural Science student, shared that he joined the debate club hoping to one day be chosen to represent in the regional competition. He said, “We are the embodiment of pressure, which makes diamonds. We worked under pressure and came out successful. We had a little hindrance during examination week when we had to focus on our studies instead of the debate, but for the actual preparation, there were not many hiccups.”
In addition to the title of champions, the team received laptops and a backpack with various technological devices and branded items sponsored by Unicomer and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The TAMCC debate team looks forward to continuing their journey in competitive debating and hopes to participate in more events that challenge their skills and expand their knowledge on important global issues.
TAMCC
