In their very first appearance in the finals of the Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition, the Dominica Grammar School (DGS) didn’t just show up—they stole the show.
The April 16 final proved to be a defining moment for both the competition and Dominica Grammar School, as they clinched victory with a commanding score of 659 over Orion Academy’s 614.
Represented by fourth-form students and first-time debaters Rene Talbert and Tzaddi Trocard, DGS proposed the motion: “Introducing stricter penalties for causing death by dangerous driving would effectively reduce vehicular fatalities in Dominica.” Opposing the motion were Orion Academy’s formidable duo, Madleah Fontaine and Jazz Maxwell.
When the final score was announced and the trophy was handed over to the DGS team, both Talbert and Trocard were visibly overwhelmed.
“I am just truly elated,” said Trocard, who earned the Best Rebuttal award. “I am so happy and overwhelmed at the same time. Although I fumbled, I wasn’t expecting to win. But the fact that it happened—it was so heartwarming and so touching.”
His teammate, Talbert, who was named Best Debater, echoed those sentiments: “I am so excited, honestly. I shed a few tears. The fact that we came into this putting our best foot forward and came out victorious—it means the world to us.”
The duo, who are cousins, credited their growing confidence from round one through to the finals. “With every win, it just built our confidence more and more,” said Trocard. “We wanted to push harder each time.”
Though they will both be focused on preparing for their CXC exams next year, the pair hinted at a possible return to the debating stage—should time permit—to help DGS defend its newly-won title.
Over at Orion Academy, the loss was met with grace and determination. Jazz Maxwell, who helped secure Orion’s win in 2024 and returned this year as part of the finalist team with Fontaine, admitted disappointment but maintained pride in their journey.
“Of course, we’re disappointed that we didn’t win again,” Maxwell said. “But I’m satisfied with our performance. And I’m proud that we’ve been in the finals every year since the competition restarted.”
He added with quiet confidence, “My school will be back next year and next time, we’re taking the crown home again.”
The debating competition, revived just three years ago after a lengthy dormancy, has grown into one of Dominica’s premier platforms for youth intellectual engagement. Spearheaded by Ms. Trudy Christian, Interim President of the Dominica State College (DSC), the event now runs from January to April, drawing more participation each year.
As highlighted by Christian, “This year went extremely well. We saw increased participation. Two schools—Goodwill Secondary School and Pierre Charles Secondary School—joined for the first time. That shows the competition is growing.”
She highlighted the significant personal development students gain from the experience, noting that several have already added the competition to their resumes.
“The feedback I’ve gotten so far is that it has boosted their confidence. It’s something they can speak about as they move forward in their academic and professional lives. It’s building their profiles.”
The educator also acknowledged the challenges of sustaining the competition and expressed her ambition to secure a headline sponsor for the 2026 season. Her aim is to attract a committed corporate partner who will embrace the event as their own and help elevate it to new heights.
The 2025 edition was made possible through the support of several businesses and individuals, to whom Christian expressed heartfelt gratitude.
Beyond the honour of claiming the 2025 title, the winning team receives an all-expenses-paid trip for four to St. Lucia among other gifts and prizes. The DGS team was coached by Mrs. Dorcus Francis-Simon, while the Orion Academy team was mentored by Mrs. Abigail Woodman and Ms. Adeola Xavier.
