A group of argumentative Bermudian youngsters yesterday flew off to Peru for a once in a lifetime chance to take part in the 15th Annual World Schools Debate Tournament.

The five teenagers will spend the next week competing against teams from 24 different countries, including Lithuania, Argentina, Australia and Scotland.

The debating will begin in Lima on Friday and will see each of the teams argue the pros and cons of such complex issues as whether or not the Sovereignty of nation states is outdated; whether cultural treasures belong at home; whether intellectual property laws (copyright) put a brake on progress; and whether prescription drugs should be advertised.

National debate coach Corey Butterfield flew out with the youngsters yesterday, along with two Bermudian adjudicators, Mary Murray and Trevor Leitch, and said he was feeling fairly confident.

"There are eight rounds, so each team will have four debates," said Mr. Butterfield. "The four debates are prepared motions, which we received in May, but we had to prepare for arguments for and against because we didn't know at that stage whether we were proposing or opposing. However, we know now.

"During the last three moThe team this year is captain Zahra Muhammad, 17, from CedarBridge Academy, Richard Hillen and Erica Lipschultz, both 17 and from Saltus Grammar School, and Shaune? James and Krystl Robinson-Hassan, both 14, from Bermuda High School for Girls.

Zahra, who is the only member who has been with the debate team for some time, said: "I'm very much looking forward to it.

"There is always room for improvement, but I think we will do well. And I'm looking forward to meeting people from the various countries that will be present. We have done a fair amount of research and once we were able to grapple the issues, it was not too bad."

And Richard said he was very excited about the trip to Peru.

"We are secretly tentative, but we know all of us has worked very hard," he said. "We have put in many hours and we are hoping that it will be a very rewarding experience.

"We have researched the material well and we have prepared what we think the alternative side will say. The issues are quite deep, but once you get your head around them and have discussions, it's not as daunting as it seems."

The Bermuda Debate Society has sponsored the trip.