The event, established in 2003, is sponsored annually by the NMI Council for the Humanities in conjunction with the National Forensic League of the Western Pacific.
The competition promotes research and debating skills and encourages students to examine key Covenant-related issues that affect life in the Commonwealth.
The Covenant is a unique legal document that established the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and defines it relationship with the United States.
This year’s debate considers whether or not voting on matters pertaining to Article XII should be restricted to persons of Northern Marianas Descent.
Article XII of the CNMI Constitution restricts land ownership to persons of Northern Marianas Descent.
Commonwealth voters may consider retaining, amending or abolishing Article XII in 2011.
The debate will be in a Town Hall format with competitors answering questions on the topic posed by the moderator, veteran debater Patricia B. Coleman.
The event will feature the top two debaters in a Junior Division (7th-8th grades) and a Senior Division (9th-12th grades). Competing in the Junior Division are Kanata Omori and Hye Young Oh, both of Marianas Baptist Academy.
Senior debaters include Jessica Lee of Marianas Baptist Academy and Amber Roberts of Saipan International School.
Debaters will be scored by a panel of three judges including former Rep. Cinta M. Kaipat, businesswoman Marian Aldan-Pierce, and Leo Pangelinan who is dean of student services at Northern Marianas College.
First place finishers in both divisions will have their names inscribed on perpetual trophies. Cash prizes will also be awarded.
Interested individuals are invited to call council staff at 235-4785 for more information about this upcoming event.
