Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 19 May 2025: The Turks and Caicos Islands Integrity Commission proudly congratulates Marjorie Basden High School, winners of the 2025 Inter-High Integrity Debate, held on Wednesday, 14th May from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM at Beaches Turks and Caicos. The debate centered on the timely and thought-provoking moot:
“This House believes that legislative reforms are more critical than public awareness for the effective operation of an Integrity Commission.”
As the only school to accept and uphold their commitment to participate, Marjorie Basden High demonstrated boldness, excellence, and unshakable integrity. They prepared for both sides of the argument, embraced open-mindedness, and modelled respectful discourse—proving that integrity is more than a word; it’s a way of life.
Winning team members:
Leonessa Jacinth, Dario Morley, Abinasabia Prophete, and Nailah Byfield. A special commendation goes to Nailah Byfield, who was awarded Best Speaker for her persuasive and poised delivery.
Prizes awarded:
$1,000 toward a school project
$1,000 to the winning team
$250 to the Best Speaker
The Integrity Commission extends heartfelt appreciation to our capable Chairperson, Ms. Ariele Neely, and our Ministry of Education Representative, Mr. David Bowen, who brought warm and encouraging remarks on behalf of the Ministry and Department of Education.
We also thank our sister institutions of good governance, including the Elections Office, and the enthusiastic attendees from Ianthe Pratt Primary School, whose presence reflected a growing culture of civic responsibility.
A sincere thank you to our distinguished panel of judges and their institutions for their time and impartial expertise:
Nicole’ Collymore, Legal Advisor – Financial Services Commission
Ms. Tavania Wilson, Prosecutor – Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
Mrs. Sandra Stephens-Malcolm, Auditor General – National Audit Office
Mr. Verbal Lightbourn, Education & Outreach Officer – TCI Human Rights Commission
Special recognition goes to Ms. Britonya Martin, Secretarial Support Officer at the Integrity Commission, who served faithfully as timekeeper throughout the event.
We are grateful to Beaches Turks and Caicos for generously hosting this landmark event, where youth leadership and ethical values met in powerful harmony.
This event was not just a debate—it was a declaration that youth, when anchored in integrity, can shape a more just and transparent future. Congratulations again to Marjorie Basden High School—champions of character and truth.
Photo Caption: From left to right: Mr. Nick Wallen [Director], Ms. Arielle Neely [Debate Chairperson], Ms. Nialah Byfield [Student], Ms. Leonessa Jacinth[Student], Mr. Dario Morley [Student], Imterniza McCartney [Public Education Officer], Ms. Abisabia Prophete [Student], Ms. Melissa Reid [Teacher] and Mr. Wendall Swann [Commissioner].