24th Annual Inter High School HIV and AIDS Debate Highlights Youth Leadership in Ending Stigma

The 24th Annual Inter High School HIV and AIDS Debate was held on January 28, 2026, at the Salvation Army Brighter Futures Community Centre, bringing together students from across the Turks and Caicos Islands for an engaging and thought-provoking competition focused on strengthening the national HIV response.

L-R Dr. Camelia Clarke; Best Speaker Tianna Kerr, Alpha Christian Academy; and Mr. Giovanni Delancy (HIV Advocate).

The program opened with a prayer by Ms. Saneka Setram, coach of the Majorie Basden High School, followed by welcome remarks from Dr. Camelia Clarke, Director of the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, who emphasized the importance of youth engagement in reducing stigma and strengthening HIV awareness. Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ms. Renessa Williams, then delivered remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Human Services and officially declared the debate open.

L-R Dr. Camelia Clarke; 3rd Place Winners Clement Howell High School; Mr. Andre Clarke, Advertising and Promotion Officer, Building materials Do It Center

The proceedings were guided by Moderator Mrs. Cheryl Ann Francis Forman, and supported by a panel of judges that included:

• Ms. Daniela Carroll, Head Judge and Education Officer in the Department of Education,

• Dr. Raven Saunders, Deputy Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health and Human Services

• Hon. Willin Belliard, Member of Parliament and partner at Williams and Belliard Attorneys at Law representing the judiciary, and

• Mr. Giovanni Delancy, HIV advocate and Board Member of the TCI Health and Wellness Foundation.

• Mr. Leonardo Glasgow, Assistant Director /Enforcement, serving as Timekeeper to ensure smooth and timely proceedings.

L-R Dr. Camelia Clarke; 2nd Place Winners Alpha Christian Academy; Hon. Willin Belliard

This year’s moot challenged students to examine a critical issue in public health:

“Be it resolved that stigma is the greatest disruption to transforming the HIV response.”

Teams presented well researched arguments that demonstrated their understanding of the scientific, social, and structural factors that influence HIV outcomes, noting that stigma, defined as the negative labels, fear, and discrimination directed toward people living with or affected by HIV, remains a major barrier to testing, treatment, and open dialogue.

They also highlighted that in addition to stigma, other disruptions such as misinformation, limited access to services, gaps in education, and broader social and economic challenges continue to affect progress in transforming the HIV response.

L-R Dr. Camelia Clarke; 1st Place Winners Helena J. Robinson High School; Dr. Raven Saunders

Participating Schools

• Helena J. Robinson High School

• Marjorie Basden High School

• Louise Garland Thomas High School

• Alpha Christian Academy

• Raymond Gardiner High School

• Clement Howell High School

Results

• 1st Place: Helena J. Robinson High School

• 2nd Place: Alpha Christian Academy

• 3rd Place: Clement Howell High School

• The title of best speaker was awarded to Tianna Kerr of Alpha Christian Academy for her exceptional delivery, clarity, and persuasive ability.

L-R Dr. Camelia Clarke, Ms. Alrisa Gardiner, Mr. Leonardo Glasgow, Ms. Renessa Williams,  Dr. Raven Saunders, Giovanni Delancy, Ms. Daniela Carroll.

Sponsors

The Ministry of Health and Human Services extends sincere appreciation to the following sponsors whose support helped make this event possible:

• Business Solutions for sponsoring the second-place prizeBuilding

• Materials Do It Center, for sponsoring the third-place prize

Special thanks are also extended to all participating schools, teachers, and coaches for their commitment to preparing students and for their continued contribution to youth empowerment, health education, and national development.