Avocet Brooks of Elmore Stoutt High School poses with the winning trophy following her victory in the debate on May 31, 2013. Photo: VINO

Contestants in the debate [L-R] Brooks, Allydah George and Bryan Leve. Photo: VINO

Debate judges [L-R] Arona Fahie-Forbes, Patrick R. Brown, Judith B. Vanterpool and Joanna Newling-Ward. Photo: VINO

Agricultural produce on display at the debate. Photo: VINO

A section of the audience at the debate. Photo: VINO

Education Minister Hon. Myron V. Walwyn speaks at the debate. Photo: VINO

Debate contestants pose with Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith (second from left). Photo: VINO

Debate Moderator, Kareem Nelson-Hull. Photo: VINO

The contestants were Avocet Brooks of Elmore Stoutt High School, Allydah George of Bregado Flax Educational Centre and Bryan Leve of Cedar International School. They debated for three rounds, the first two of which dealt with Multi-generational Travel and Caribbean Agri-tourism. For the third round, each contestant received a mystery question.

Leve produced an often articulate and humorous delivery throughout the debate, settling into a convincing stride early on as he attempted to stay on message. He expressed afterwards that he tried his best to let the audience know that he was as comfortable with them as much as he they were with him.

For the final, mystery question, Leve explained that three of the professions that make or break the tourism experience in the Virgin Islands were hotel staff, chefs and tour guides.

His performance, however, was not enough to pip Brooks, who also seemed poised and well set for the win as she presented detailed plans during her turn at the podium in contesting the fictional post of Junior Minister of Tourism.

Brooks was asked whether the airport and cruise pier expansion would impact the Territory positively or negatively and suggested that bigger was always better. “A bigger airport,” she posited, “allows more people to venture to the BVI. This causes a chain reaction.” According to Brooks, more ships and more airplanes ultimately meant more tourists and greater fame coming to the Territory.

George, in response to a question that asked why much emphasis in tourism was being placed on going green, expressed that eco-tourists think of themselves as environmentally conscious and tourism businesses sought to attract eco-tourists because of their higher incomes.

Following the debate, Brooks said, “I’m glad that I won but as I said before, I’m very competitive…” Brooks said she received tremendous support from her teacher and her mother who offered tips and constructive criticism on how to secure the win. Brooks also said she prayed for the win.

She explained that she joined the debate club at school and received encouragement from her teacher to enter the competition.

Brooks walked away with a trip to Martinique to attend the Junior Tourism Youth Congress in addition to a kindle fire, a participation award, a Samsung phone, tickets for two to Swim With the Dolphins and a gift bag from the BVI Tourist Board.

Premier and Minister of Tourism Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith was in attendance, along with Education Minister Hon. Myron V. Walwyn.

Premier Smith said the fact that not many VIslanders were involved in the tourism industry suggested that the real importance of the industry is not really quite appreciated. He felt the debate was another means of educating young persons about the importance of the industry.

Hon. Walwyn said he was very glad that competitions such as this were being done and added that it flows into what the government was doing in trying to institute Tourism as part of the school curriculum. “We really need to ensure that we get our young people engaged in Tourism from very early,” the Minister said.

Hon. Walwyn also stated that his Ministry was seeking to ensure that there were more debate competitions within the schools to build the confidence level of students.

The event was moderated by Kareem Nelson-Hull while judges for the event included Ms Arona Fahie-Forbes, Mrs Judith B. Vanterpool, Joanna Newling-Ward and Mr Patrick R. Brown.