Antigua and Barbuda has successfully defended its title at the 54th Leeward Islands Debating Competition, defeating hosts Nevis in the finals held Sunday evening in Nevis.

Representing Antigua and Barbuda, Leanna Browne and Janica Adams secured the victory with a total of 694 points, surpassing Nevis, which scored 639 points. Adams also earned the accolade of Best Speaker of the competition.

The final debate centered on the moot: “Caribbean governments should provide free tertiary education to citizens up to the undergraduate degree level.” The matchup featured the defending champions from Antigua and Barbuda against host nation Nevis after both teams advanced through earlier rounds of the regional competition.

The Leeward Islands Debating Competition brings together student debaters from across the sub-region each year to compete on public policy and social issues affecting the Caribbean. Antigua and Barbuda’s victory marks another successful defense of the title in the longstanding regional contest.