Caribbean youth advance to ‘knockout’ stage in 2026 international reparation debate competition

The 2026 edition of the International Reparation Debate Competition (IRDC), organized by the Centre for Reparation Research at The University of the West Indies, has successfully wrapped up its preliminary debates after several days of intense and thought-provoking discussions among secondary school students from across the Caribbean and the UK.

A UWI media release shared that participants from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, Guyana, and the United Kingdom engaged in rigorous debates centered on critical issues within the global reparation movement. Topics ranged from economic justice and historical accountability to political strategies and cultural aspects of repair, highlighting the multifaceted nature of reparatory justice.

The competition now progresses to the knockout phase, set to commence on March 16, 2026. In this stage, the remaining schools will continue to address complex questions related to justice, reparation, and the enduring legacies of colonialism.

Throughout the initial rounds, several schools delivered remarkable performances, as per the release.

Arima North Secondary School from Trinidad and Tobago defeated Charlemont High School from Jamaica in a debate opposing debt cancellation as a form of reparation.

Meanwhile, Merl Grove High School in Jamaica narrowly edged out Queen’s College from Guyana in a tense discussion on whether Caribbean nations can advance economically without reparative measures.

Other notable victories in Round One included Goodwood Secondary School from Trinidad and Tobago overcoming C.V. Bethel Senior High School from The Bahamas in a debate advocating for stronger political and economic alliances among post-colonial states. San Fernando Central Secondary School, also from Trinidad and Tobago, secured a win over Knox College from Jamaica on the topic of infrastructural development as a reparative act.

Further successes were achieved by Presentation College Chaguanas, Fatima College, Herbert Morrison Technical High School, and the defending champions, St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain—all from Trinidad and Tobago. These schools excelled in discussions on the feasibility of actualizing reparations, the racial and geographic distribution of reparative measures, the catalysts of Caribbean emancipation, and the significance of official apologies.

UWI also reports that the second round continued to showcase fierce competition. Queen’s Royal College from Trinidad and Tobago narrowly defeated Wolmer’s Boys’ School from Jamaica in a debate questioning whether quiet diplomacy surpasses confrontational lobbying in advancing reparations. Similarly, Queen’s College from Guyana advanced after defeating St Joseph’s Convent Trinidad and Tobago, debating whether Caribbean societies should prioritize internal reforms over seeking reparations.

Jamaica’s Merl Grove High School maintained its strong performance by defeating Herbert Morrison Technical High School in a discussion on the impact of social media activism within the reparations movement. Meanwhile, Rawlins Academy from the UK defeated Presentation College Chaguanas in a debate emphasizing that reparations are fundamentally about restoring dignity rather than solely providing economic compensation.

Additional noteworthy teams included C.V. Bethel Senior High School and Grand Bahama Academy from The Bahamas; Clarendon College, Convent of Mercy Academy “Alpha”, Montego Bay High School for Girls, York Castle High School, and Manchester High School from Jamaica; and Hillview College and Fatima College from Trinidad and Tobago, whose speaker Kennedy Valley achieved the highest individual score during the preliminary rounds.

According to the university, the IRDC offers a vital platform for Caribbean youth to critically explore the history and future of reparative justice, while honing skills in research, advocacy, and public speaking. With the return of UK schools such as Rawlins Academy, the competition’s international significance continues to expand. All debates are streamed live on the Centre for Reparation Research’s YouTube channel.

For further information or inquiries, please contact the Centre for Reparation Research at reparation.research@uwimona.edu.jm.