Team Antigua and Barbuda has qualified for the semi-finals of CARICOM’s secondary school quiz competition, after staving off stiff competition from Jamaica and Suriname.

The national team began their quest to advance in the competition when they came up against Jamaica at the National Library of Trinidad and Tobago today (Tuesday), and later the same day against Suriname.

According to Coach Jameel Lee, “both competitions were very close.”

In the first encounter, Jamaica led in the first two rounds, but in the third and final round, Antigua snatched victory by two points.

Final scores:

Antigua 39, Jamaica 37.

In the Suriname encounter, Antigua up until the second round maintained a ten point lead, but in the final round slackened off and was nearly overcome.

Final scores:

Antigua 41, Suriname 39.

Pernel Reynolds of Antigua was adjudged best quizzer in that competition.

Other members of the national team are Raenor Sharpe, Peter Abraham and Diedregay Young.

The national team is the third to qualify for the semi-finals. Earlier, St. Lucia and St. Kitts secured the first and second spots in zonal rounds, which were held in St. Vincent. The final spot will either go to Trinidad and Tobago or Dominica who were expected to compete against each other today (Tuesday).

Coach Lee commenting on the national team’s close wins said, “they have worked hard and done well. The team is excited about the upcoming competitions and is prepared to continue intense preparations.”

This year, the secondary school quiz competition forms part of a series of activities to mark 35 years since the signing of the Treaty of Chagaramus, establishing CARICOM.

Students were required to study the CARICOM handbook for the quiz competition.

Both the semis and finals of the competition will be held in Antigua on 30th June and 1st July respectively.

For further information contact:

Phil R. George
Communications Officer
Ministry of Education
Telephone: (268) 462-463-5547
Fax: (268) 462-4970