St. Thomas, Jamaica – A group of exceptionally talented and motivated debating students from St Thomas parish, Jamaica, is set to embark on a life-changing journey to the United States for a debate and cultural exchange trip.

This exciting initiative is aimed at fostering multiculturalism, enhancing intellectual discourse skills, instilling effective conflict resolution abilities, boosting confidence, and further developing public speaking skills among these young debaters.

The students will be in Charleston, South Carolina, from November 7 to 13, where they will engage in a series of enriching activities. The highlight of their visit will be a debate and public speaking workshop with approximately 30 high school students at the College of Charleston. These sessions will be conducted by none other than Germaine Barrett, Founder and Executive Director of the Jamaican Association for Debating and Empowerment (JADE) Limited, who is widely recognised as the country’s foremost authority on debate strategy and adjudication.

“Engaging with international students in the art of debate and public speaking is essential for Jamaican students as it provides them with a global perspective and a platform to share our unique Jamaican voices. It’s an opportunity to learn from others, to refine their skills, and to ultimately become powerful advocates for change, both locally and on the world stage,” Barrett said.

JADE Limited has built a stellar reputation for its unwavering commitment to enhancing the skills of young debaters and speakers. Over the years, JADE has organised national competitions at both the secondary and tertiary levels in Jamaica, including the prestigious JADE National Debating Championship for High Schools. The organisation has also successfully conducted workshops with secondary and tertiary institutions in the Caribbean, Latin America, and the USA, leaving a lasting impact on students’ ability to articulate their thoughts, engage in critical thinking, and express their ideas with confidence.

Team Jamaica has already made a name for itself in the world of debate, having participated in the Paul Bogle and the Warriors Debate Competition. The young debaters achieved significant success as finalists and winners in this annual competition hosted by The St Thomas Renaissance Foundation in partnership with JADE. The delegation will now bring their expertise to Charleston, South Carolina, where they will have the opportunity to impact high school students in the United States.

During their week in South Carolina, the Jamaican students will also partake in college engagement and cultural exchange activities, including visits to the Avery Research Center for African-American History and Culture, and the Gullah Geechee Low Country Nation. This cultural exchange is poised to build lasting connections, enhance academic and personal development, and bridge cultures between Jamaican and American students.

The trip is made possible through the sponsorship of First Heritage Cooperative Credit Union and US-based entities, Solutions For U, Jamaican Grill, and Fraser’s Gullah Homestay.

Malton D. Edwards, President of the St Thomas Renaissance Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We believe that this cultural exchange will not only broaden our students’ horizons but also ignite their passion for learning, foster global understanding, and empower them to become true ambassadors of our beloved parish of St Thomas and our vibrant Jamaican culture.”