It was a fierce intellectual showdown, but in the end the Industry Team emerged victorious at the 2026 Great Debate, one of the most anticipated events of British Virgin Islands (BVI) Financial Services Week.
Held as part of the week’s ongoing commitment to education and engagement, the annual debate provides a dynamic platform to connect professionals from the financial services sector with students of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, fostering critical thinking and meaningful dialogue on issues shaping the global financial landscape.
This year’s debate featured a formidable lineup on both sides. Representing the Industry Team were Gabriel Adedeji of Bedell Cristin, alongside Daire O’Herlihy and LeRon Hunte-St. Rose of Conyers.
Taking up the challenge for the student side were talented debaters from H. Lavity Stoutt Community College: Adrianne Thomas, Auri-Ana El Shabazz, and Jana Peters.
After a spirited exchange of arguments and rebuttals, the judges awarded the 2026 Great Debate title to the Industry Team. However, the student team also delivered a performance that demonstrated the depth of talent emerging from the Territory’s next generation of professionals.
In a highlight of the evening, the Best Speaker Award resulted in a tie, shared by Daire O’Herlihy and Auri-Ana El Shabazz, both recognized for their persuasion, and command of the topic.
This year’s moot addressed a pressing issue in cross-border commerce:
“In today’s geopolitically fragmented world, should international finance centres continue to position themselves as neutral facilitators of cross-border trade and finance?”
The Proposition argued that international finance centres (IFCs) should remain neutral to ensure the continued flow of global trade and finance, acting as trusted bridges between divided economies and supporting global stability.
The Opposition countered that neutrality is increasingly unrealistic, asserting that IFCs must align with geopolitical and regulatory blocs to prevent sanctions evasion and mitigate systemic risks.
The lively exchange, moderated by Michele Hibbert, Executive Director at PMA Trust (BVI), explored the practical realities facing IFCs as they navigate shifting geopolitical dynamics and evolving regulatory expectations.
The debate was evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges: Dwynel Davis, Director of the International Affairs Secretariat, Government of the Virgin Islands; Kedrick E. Malone, Chief of Staff in the Premier’s Office, Government of the Virgin Islands; and Shan Greer, CEO of the BVI International Arbitration Centre. Akeya Herbert, Trainee Associate at Appleby, served as timekeeper and tabulator.
While judges deliberated, the evening continued with a lively and insightful panel discussion titled: “Neutrality in a Fragmented World: Can IFCs Maintain the Middle Ground?”
The discussion featured Cristiane Matos, TEP, Senior Vice President of Liquidations and Fiduciary Services at Maples Group (BVI), and Jennifer A. Potter, Head of Operations, Risk, and Compliance at George Henry Partners, and was again moderated by Michele Hibbert.
During the discussion, panelists explored several critical questions shaping the future of IFCs. The conversation examined whether genuine neutrality remains possible in today’s increasingly complex geopolitical environment and what true regulatory credibility looks like for IFC jurisdictions seeking to maintain trust and legitimacy in global markets.
BVI Finance extends sincere thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to an evening of thoughtful discussion and vibrant debate.
Special appreciation is also extended to the event’s partners:
- BVI Bar Association
- BVI International Arbitration Centre
- PROVEN Bank (St Lucia) Limited
- National Bank of the Virgin Islands
- H. Lavity Stoutt Community College
- BVI Association of Registered Agents
BVI Finance congratulates the winners and thanks them for all the hard work undertaken to prepare for The Great Debate.
About BVI Finance
BVI Finance is responsible for protecting and promoting the BVI’s financial services industry. The BVI is renowned as a leading international business and finance centre, offering a robust legal framework, a stable and business-friendly environment, and a strong reputation for regulatory compliance. With its strategic expertise in wealth management, corporate services, trusts, fund administration and digital assets, the BVI continues to attract global businesses, investors and financial professionals to use its products and services.
For further information please contact:
Shamahl A. Smith
Communications and Research Officer
ssmith@bvifinance.vg |Tel: 284-852-1957
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