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St George’s wins ‘Gay Marriage debate’ against BFEC

- in preliminary round of Inter-Secondary Schools’ Debating Competition
Preliminary round winner of the Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition on January 30, 2017, St George's Secondary. From left: Kiymeiah Millington, Hunter Christopher and Le’Amoi Biggs. Photo: VINO
The Best Speaker was Keira St Rose of the Proposition Bregado Flax Educational Centre located on Virgin Gorda. Photo: VINO
The Best Speaker was Keira St Rose of the Proposition Bregado Flax Educational Centre located on Virgin Gorda. Photo: VINO
The Bregado Flax Educational Centre team. From left: Keira St Rose, Kaliyah Stevens and Anika Christopher. Photo: VINO
The Bregado Flax Educational Centre team. From left: Keira St Rose, Kaliyah Stevens and Anika Christopher. Photo: VINO
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola VI- In what was described as a highly controversial topic, ‘Gay marriage harms the institution of traditional marriage’, which saw, by the estimate of the moderator and talk show host Mr Cromwell Smith aka Edju En Ka a doubling or even tripling of the modest crowd at the H.L. Stoutt Community College HLSCC), St George’s Secondary took home the win against Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC).

The Ministry of Education and Culture Inter-Secondary Schools’ Debate 2017 preliminary round took place at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Paraquita Bay on Monday January 30, 2017.

The judges based their decision on the soundness of points, logical development, audibility and clarity, personality, and command of the material.

The Best Speaker was Keira St Rose of the Proposition Bregado Flax Educational Centre located on Virgin Gorda.

St Rose who proposed the idea that gay marriage harms the institution of traditional marriage, argued that “We are firm in our conviction that Gay marriage harms the institution of traditional marriage.”

“Ladies and gentlemen to date gay marriage are neither practiced nor legally accepted in the Virgin Islands, however, there is a growing movement worldwide which favours making those relationships commonly called same-sex unions the equivalent of marriage. Even though there has not been a lot of research done recently on the success of these marriages, we believe that gay marriages can be detrimental to the institution of traditional marriage,” she argued.

Some of her arguments presented were that gay marriages weaken the definition and respect for the institution of marriage, and that it reinforces a declining emphasis on procreation, a key purpose of marriage, resulting in lower birth rate.

St Rose claimed that the 50 percent divorce rate worldwide has already weakened the definition of marriage and locally traditional marriage is under severe attack with broken homes and questioned whether the populace wishes to add to these.

“If society values its children it must reject gay marriages. Mr Moderator, we are confident that our people will not accept or tolerate gay marriages just because the overwhelming majority has accepted it. The facts are clear, gay marriages harm the institution of traditional marriage.”

Other arguments put forward were that both parents need to be part of a child’s life, a key to their success and development.

Not justifying gay marriages

Meantime, on the Opposition, from the St George’s Secondary School, Kiymeiah Millington said they are not there to justify gay marriages.

“Let me be extensively clear before I go any further, the opposition is not here to argue whether gay marriage is morally right or wrong. That is not the issue at hand. While this topic is understandably a high charged emotional one, let’s not lose track on the fact that we the Members of the Opposition are only required to show that there is no direct correlation between the argument of gay marriages and erosion of traditional marriages. Open-minded people do not impose their beliefs on others, they just accept all of life’s perspectives and realities, doing their own thing in peace.”

The Opposition said there must be facts and the Proposition must show it as there is no evidence or reasoning that gay marriages have harmed traditional marriages, “or maybe I am a bit oblivious?”

Basing traditional marriage on solely Christianity incomplete

Millington continued, “Traditional marriage has always existed the way it has, so how can that devalue or undermine? Our small archipelago of islands or perhaps the majority of the Caribbean are heavily dependent on the Christian religion, we all agree that marriage is a gift from God, but there are many marriages in this world that are not based on Christianity. What about Common Law marriage? What about people who are not Christians and are married, living together and are participating in the institution of marriage? Are they not traditional marriage as well? Using Christian beliefs as a means to define traditional marriage is totally incomplete!”

Follow fashion era

She questioned whether it is because as a people they are so caught up in robots to systematic theology rather than being practical theology, “We are basically dogs to society, whatever they throw out, we eat. We live in a follow fashion era, because everyone is doing it, we must do it too. We allow ourselves to be changed by this external influence; if the majority isn’t doing it, it is automatically considered bad, weird or peculiar. This is exactly how society views gay marriages, same-sex marriages does not pose a threat to anyone except those who spend their time criticising and looking down their nose. When will we have some backbone? When will we as individuals stop being spineless, if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything, the more the merrier isn’t always merry, but just a bunch trying to fit in.”

How can gay marriage be blamed?

“Gay marriage is a recent phenomenon, how can we blame something as young as me for the pallor state of marriage which has been around facing alarming erosions and failures dating as far back as the 1950’s?” Millington asked.

She stated that traditional marriages have been hurting increasingly for over 100 years before and what threatens traditional marriages in the past continues to be a threat today and will be the same in the future. She pointed out the top eight reasons why marriages fail are infidelity, lack of communication, family problems, addiction problems, abuse, conflict in personalities, selfishness or self-centeredness and gender roles.

“Why don’t we stop blaming others for our downfalls and accept the fact that it is our own fault that destroys our marriage? What I hate is ignorance, the smallness of the imagination, the eye that sees no further than its nose…,” Millington noted.

Other members of the Opposition team were Hunter Christopher and Le’Amoi Biggs.

Other members of the Proposition team were Kaliyah Stevens and Anika Christopher.

32 Responses to “St George’s wins ‘Gay Marriage debate’ against BFEC”

  • parent (31/01/2017, 09:52) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Sorry the turn out was so poor but the kids did well
    • B Savage (31/01/2017, 10:02) Like (2) Dislike (12) Reply
      Everybody hates that subject waste of time subject. Only people that care are the immoral ones.
      • pat (31/01/2017, 12:05) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
        that is what debate is for, to broaden and educate those open to hear opinions and make up their own mind.
        This is exactly what St George's hoped to achieve. How sad you are one of the ones stuck with dogma without
        thinking for yourself.
        • B Savage (31/01/2017, 14:01) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
          No kids did a great job I'm saying the poor attendance was because of DEBATE SUBJECT like I said nobody care bout that! Surely not my president Trump who already repealing them absurd GAY LAWS.
          • pat (01/02/2017, 00:12) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
            the fact that your president is Trump says a whole lot about your values, sense of civil rights, morality,
            sense of fairness and equality. Trump will get US into WWIII and shame america in the eyes of the world.
      • @ B Savage (31/01/2017, 12:53) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
        but their is a minister who loves that topic so hush
  • Well Sah (31/01/2017, 09:59) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Those children at St. George's mash up the place. Excellent argument. Both them and BGEC were excellent. The BVI indeed has a future with these kids.
  • parent (31/01/2017, 10:01) Like (7) Dislike (16) Reply
    The topic was inappropriate. I can start another debate why it's inappropriate.
    • WHY? (31/01/2017, 12:06) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why was it inappropriate? It is a relevant topic.
      • B Savage (31/01/2017, 14:03) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
        Relevant? To whom? Your gay brother sister father mother? FOH your sicko problem not ours remember there is always the option of rinsing out your mouth with you know what.
        • jesus (01/02/2017, 09:00) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
          You are as ignorant as the people who make major life decisions and judgements on things they do not even comprehend in my name. The name which was given to me by men whose agenda is to curropt the minds of the people of the world with hate, ignorance (like you) , judmentalness, lack of reason and logic so they can have the world to live out their evil, capitalistic and ego-filled reality while you fantasize about seeing me in heaven when i clearly told y'all don't look for me in the skies for I am in your heart meaning though I did not exist realistically, my character represents a balanced life in which you should strive to live as well to obtain heaven (a state of mind, not a physical place beyond the skies as MAN has made it out to be). They have convinced you of a place beyond this earth so you have no remorse or consideration for your brother's and sisters who are living out their preferences and you turn a blind eye to the important issues in this world like governments and elites taking away our freedom slowly but surely, literally manipulating history, poisoning our foods and destroying Mother Earth etc. Can you not see the metaphors in the Bible? Not literal things! The Bible is filled with inconsistencies and they can lead you to the truth. GOD has never took a stand on any earthly matters, what we see in the Bible is man's INTERPRETATION of what they THINK of God mixed with ALOT of plagiarisms, metaphors and allegories that cannot be understood by just reading the Bible only. It is also a history book and if you know the history surrounding the Bible, you wouldn't be so head-first in the book - for GOD is the essence of EVERYTHING! IT (not he or she because MAN gave god a gender, again removing us from the truths of GOD) it is even the essence of those who we call homosexuals. We are all one. Soon we are going to allow Tortola to be bought, pastors are gonna continue stealing and raping, police are gonna continue bringing in drugs and guns and selling dope in the NAME OF JESUS. BUT no, that's not the issue, LET US FOCUS ON PEOPLE WHO LOVE SOMEONE THAT IS THE SAME GENDER. When are we gonna wake up and see? While you are at it, research the Council of Nicea and see how much the Romans had to do with the creation of the faith you base your life on. The true people of GOD will do so. Those under the spell will say it is of the devil, just like their illogical way of thinking. :) Be blessed.
        • Also relevant (01/02/2017, 12:40) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
          If I apply my little knowledge of psychology to your unwarranted outburst, it would lead me to conclude that you are the one who needs to rinse out their mouth and is perhaps struggling with feelings of homosexuality.

          As far as I know my sister and brothers are not gay and my parents are also straight. So as far as the sicko with the problem, go find a mirror.
    • HMMM..... (31/01/2017, 18:34) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @parent While you're going to start your topic on why it's inappropriate, include adultery and whatever happened to love thy neighbor and judge ye not lest ye be judged. If you're going to pick on one include everything else.
  • chad (31/01/2017, 10:09) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Those kids from St. George's and Bregado are amazing. They both did exceptional.
  • pat (31/01/2017, 10:09) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Bigs ups to the winners
  • Awesome (31/01/2017, 10:13) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Excellent St. George's. You ladies were exceptional.
  • i was there (31/01/2017, 11:34) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Great job guys. The both teams were great but SGPS edged them out!
  • pat (31/01/2017, 12:17) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    The arguments Millington used were sharp, disciplined, thoughtful, factual and well researched.
    Many marriage woes have been around for hundreds of years. Ask yourself, if a child is in foster care, who
    doesn't get adequate attention amidst many other needy children, would they be better off in a household of loving people WANTING that child and willing to take care of that child and LOVING that child, regardless of their sexual preference?
    I have known gay marriages which have lasted for 50-60 years. I have known adopted children of such parents go on to become doctors and lawyers. There are many children who need to be adopted. And there are many traditional marriages that don't want children. Gay marriages do not erode traditional marriages. Our own morality, lack of values, selfishness can do that all by itself, thank you very much. We should not be sheep or follow blindly the doctrines of established institutions. Even the pope speaks of compassion.
  • Happy I was There!!! (31/01/2017, 12:34) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    It was Awesome!!! Both schools did very well!! St George's team was ready their information was on point!! Best speaker should have been given to Kiymeiah Millington or Hunter Christopher..... great job !!!!
  • I was in attendandce (31/01/2017, 13:19) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    The debate was very good. Both teams did well, but in my opinion the team from bfec presented a clearer argument. The second speaker of the opposition presented a speech that was totally irrelevant t to the moot. I think team BFEC deserved the win. I think the judges were influenced bythe crowd that was cheering for St. George's
    • please (31/01/2017, 13:48) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Keep it positive. All the kids did well. That second speaker was outstanding you are simply a sore losser. They are all wonderful kids and leave it as that. To be factually BFEC had the most noise so the judges were not influenced. Celebrate the student's win.
    • please (31/01/2017, 14:58) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Was that the same second speaker where the judges praised the young lady for being so eloquent and spoke with feeling and compassion? Encourage the youths and stop trying to divide them from talking piss. Those ladies did an amazing job.....all of them. Really intelligent kids. Stop hating and congratulate. The young lady in question was poised and had the best tone, story done. W
  • Jeb Bush (31/01/2017, 13:44) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    All those people who hate gays and preaching anti gay lyrics or those who sing about killing of people and shooting... Well y'all need to read the constitution order of the BVI
  • yeah (31/01/2017, 13:53) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Excellent job Kiymiah, Hunter and Li'amoi. So very proud of you all. St. George's to the world!
  • Judy (31/01/2017, 17:43) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    St,George's speaker were good , but BFEC's speakers totally edged them out. Especially the Leader of the Proposition. Because it was a school from tortola , the preferences were there. Good Try BFEC, we coming for them next time.
    • I REP SGSS (01/02/2017, 07:34) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Coming for them how, when, where? Teach the BFEC students to posses good sportsmanship! Rather than being sore losers. Lol! BIG SGSS ONE TIME!
  • Griot (01/02/2017, 08:34) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    There's nothing new under the sun. BVIslanders aint tired base their opinion off of their favorite reading book the slave master gave to us? We going keep making this "ADAM AND EVE, NOT ADAM AND STEVE" argument till another version of the BUY-BULL come out again. We as HUMANS are seperated by so many things : distance, religion, race and now we debating whether someone loving another person is wrong. We totally forget we are not confined to this HUMAN VESSEL, we are spiritual beings therefore why let HUMAN CONDITIONS and PREFERENCES define and seperate us? LOVE IS LOVE. Homosexuality manifests itself in nature and has been since the beginning of time. We see it in plant life, animal life .. why are we suprised? 98.5% of the human DNA is similar to that of a Monkey for God's sake, were just a little different from them, sharing ALOT of similar process within this universe. UNI-VERSE (ONE SONG) and we are all part of the choir. We have to learn to accept REALITY so we can build a better tomorrow. God tell y'all don't judge yet yall feel you have the authority to do so. RE-FRICKIN-LAX!!!
  • Wow! (01/02/2017, 16:17) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Is St. George's School a Christian school? (Jesus is coming soon.) This world is turned upside down.
  • Eagle Eye (02/02/2017, 08:41) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Noyone is here on earth through same sex.has nothing to do with religion.yall lucky i aint God trust me.


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