4th Covenant Day Debate set for Thursday

Top student debaters are set to meet in the 4th Annual Covenant Day Debate that will be held at the Guma Hustisia from 3:30pm to 5:30pm on Thursday, March 23.

The debate is an annual event sponsored by the NMI Council for the Humanities in conjunction with the National Forensic League and the Middle School Forensic League.

It is intended to increase awareness of the Covenant among junior high and high school students, to promote research and debating skills, and to encourage students to examine key Covenant-related issues that affect life in the Commonwealth.

The Covenant is a political document that establishes the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and defines its unique relationship with the United States of America. Its significance is acknowledged annually on Covenant Day, March 24, a legal holiday in the Commonwealth.

Eight debaters—four each in the National Forensic League Division (9th -12th grades) and the Middle School Forensic League Division (7th-8th)—will argue the resolve “CNMI control over its own immigration and minimum wage is justified and should be continued.”

These finalists were selected through preliminary competition held earlier this month. Middle School Forensic League Division finalists include Joan Lee of Marianas Baptist Academy, Alice Tessen, Saipan International School, Roland Arii, Hopwood Junior High School, and Patricia Sablan, Marianas Baptist Academy.

Finalists in the National Forensic League Division include Henry Chan, Saipan International School, Se Rhee Kim, Saipan International School, Kevin Sablan, Mount Carmel School, and Caroline Lochabay, Saipan International School.

The debate will be in a town hall format, with a moderator posing pre-arranged questions to each debater. The competition will be scored by a panel of judges comprising former lieutenant governor and associate justice Jesus C. Borja, former Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Alex Sablan, businesswoman Brenda Y. Tenorio, lawyer Lillian A. Tenorio and lawyer and author Howard Willens. Veteran NFL competitor and official Patricia B. Coleman will serve as the moderator.

First place finishers in both divisions will have their names inscribed on perpetual trophies that will be held by their respective schools until next year’s competition. Competitors will also receive cash prizes and certificates.

The NMI Council for the Humanities cordially invites the public to attend this stimulating and educational event. (PR)