ST. THOMAS, JAMAICA — Seaforth Primary School has been crowned the national champion of the Junior Debate International Experience (JDIE) competition, emerging victorious from a competitive field of more than 30 schools across eight parishes.
The grand finals took place at the Kingston Police Officers Club, where Seaforth Primary successfully argued the opposition position on the motion, “Capital punishment should be abolished.” Displaying exceptional critical thinking and public speaking skills, the team secured the national title with a commanding score of 211 points to the proposition’s 181.
The road to victory required extraordinary sacrifice. Mandatory graduation practices and Primary Exit Profile (PEP) preparation frequently disrupted the team’s debate rehearsals. To make up for lost time, the dedicated students participated in late-night practice sessions, sometimes training until 11:00 p.m.
Their coaches, Miss Brown and Mrs. Campbell-Layne, often set aside their own responsibilities to refine the students’ debating skills, helping transform them into what the school proudly describes as “shining diamonds.”
The championship-winning team comprised Head Boy Rafik Barriteau, Head Girl Shanoya Pratt, and school prefects Romaine McGivan and Jameelah Burke. Throughout the six-round tournament, the team’s speaking performances stood out.
Jameelah Burke earned the Best Speaker title during the grand finals, while Shanoya Pratt claimed the honour three times and Romaine McGivan twice throughout the competition. Head Boy Rafik Barriteau, who served as the team’s Public Relations Manager, was repeatedly celebrated as the “heart” of the team.
Tournament founder Mr. Clifton Campbell, who has led the programme for 38 years, praised the students’ performance, saying, “These students will steal your hearts.”
During the competition, Seaforth Primary defeated several top-performing institutions, including Mineral Heights Primary, Mineral Heights Christian Preparatory, Belair Preparatory, Liguanea Preparatory, and Unity Primary.
Beyond the debate stage, the students have also excelled academically. Rafik Barriteau and Shanoya Pratt were both named their class valedictorians. Romaine McGivan, Shanoya Pratt, and Jameelah Burke have all been placed at Morant Bay High School, while Rafik Barriteau earned placement at St. George’s College.
Shanoya Pratt was also recognised as the highest-performing girl, Rafik Barriteau as the highest-performing boy, Romaine McGivan received a scholarship for outstanding performance, and Jameelah Burke tied with Rafik Barriteau for the highest Language Arts score among 55 students in their grade.
Seaforth Primary School’s historic victory stands as a testament to the power of dedication, teamwork, and youth leadership, demonstrating that determination and hard work can produce national champions even while balancing academic demands and major school milestones.
