KINGSTON, JAMAICA – The Centre for Reparation Research (CRR) at The University of the West Indies has unveiled plans for the second International Reparation Debate Competition, scheduled to launch in January 2026. This groundbreaking initiative will leverage digital platforms for virtual preliminary rounds before culminating in a live championship event in Kingston, Jamaica by March 2026.
Building upon the remarkable success of its inaugural 2025 edition, the competition serves as a dynamic platform for youth across the Caribbean and diaspora communities to engage in intellectually rigorous discourse on reparatory justice. The previous tournament featured student delegations from five Caribbean nations and the United Kingdom, with some countries fielding up to five school teams.
The competition framework centers on the CARICOM 10-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice, addressing critical topics ranging from the moral and economic foundations of reparations to the contemporary responsibilities of former colonial powers in addressing persistent systemic inequalities. Each participating team consists of five students supported by two faculty mentors, creating a unique synergy between youthful energy and academic guidance.
The 2025 championship concluded with St. Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain from Trinidad and Tobago claiming victory in a finale praised by judges and dignitaries for its intellectual depth and transformative potential. Participants demonstrated exceptional ability to connect scholarly research with activist perspectives while articulating visions for a more equitable future.
Professor Sonjah Stanley Niaah, Director of the CRR, emphasized the program’s evolving scope: “By integrating academic rigor with digital engagement strategies, we’re ensuring the reparation dialogue remains both accessible and impactful. The 2026 competition will feature influencer-led campaigns, livestreamed debates, and strengthened partnerships to broaden global participation.”
The expanded 2026 edition aims to reach audiences across the Caribbean, Americas, Africa, and Europe through innovative digital formats. Educational institutions throughout the Caribbean and United Kingdom are invited to register participation via the official portal at www.uwi.edu/crr.