students competing at the World Debate Championships in Canada have won top marks for their knowledge on the United Nations' role as a global enforcer.

Included in the Bermuda team were the top five students from the Bermuda Junior Service League's third secondary schools debate held in November -- Michelle Correia of Saltus, Chen Foley of Warwick Academy, Samantha DeCouto of Bermuda High, Gina Bassett of Warwick Academy and Charles Sousa of Mount St.

Agnes.

Bermuda defeated Peru when they debated the topic "The United Nations should be a Global Enforcer''.

However, they lost by a score of one-to-two to Canada on the issue of "Forgiveness of Third Debt''.

And the youngsters also lost to Wales on the issue of dealing with the environment and to New Zealand in an impromptu debate on "Children Have the Answer to World Problems''.

"Our young people are having a wonderful experience being exposed through this competition,'' said Mr. Terry Lister, one of the organisers of the Bermuda Debate Society. "They will be well placed upon their return to the Island to aid other students in getting involved with national debating.'' The championships, which began on January 30, ended last week.