After nearly a decade, Nevis is set to host the 54^th edition of the Leeward Islands Debating Competition (LIDC), scheduled for March 11^th to 16^th, 2026. The regional event will bring together student debaters from six territories: Nevis, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Maarten and St. Kitts.

The competition will officially open with a ceremony at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre (NEPAC) at 6:00 p.m., immediately followed by the first night of debate. Organizers are encouraging members of the public to attend both the opening ceremony and the debates throughout the week.

Nevis enters the competition as a recent champion, having secured a record 12th title in 2024. Antigua and Barbuda captured the championship in 2025, setting the stage for another highly competitive regional showdown. This is the voice of Nevroy Willock-Manners, President of Nevis’ Literary and Debating Society on the topics to be examined:

Beyond the debates, visiting teams will experience Nevisian culture through a range of activities, including a premier’s welcome cocktail, an island tour, a beach picnic and a farewell banquet.