Should Virgin Islands citizens who live abroad be allowed to vote in the territory’s general elections?
This question was the topic of contention during the third night of the inter-Secondary Schools Debateon Monday at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall.
Students of Claudia Creque Educational Centre argued that there should be no residency requirement for voters, while Cedar International School opposed the notion.
Ronniel Smith of CCEC pointed out that the United States and most European countries extend voting rights to citizens who live abroad. “Should we in the Caribbean put voting limits on our citizens?” he asked.
His team eventually won the debate.
The competition began Saturday, when Elmore Stoutt High School edged out St. George’s Secondary School while opposing the notion “The Virgin Islands is ready for independence.”
Later, Bregado Flax Educational Centre argued in favour of the moot “Free condoms should be made available to secondary school students,” topping BVI Seventh-day Adventist School.
The semi-finals between CCEC and ESHS will take place at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall on Tuesday.
See the March 27, 2014 edition for full coverage.
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