The 18th Annual Bermuda Junior Service League Senior and Middle School Debate Tournaments were held last Saturday at the Bermuda College.

President of the Bermuda Junior Service League Susan Smith said that over 60 students were in attendance with students from ten schools, forming 16 debating teams.

"The winner of the Senior School division was Bermuda High School's A Team, while the Middle School division winner was Warwick Academy," she said.

"Runners up were CedarBridge Academy and Clearwater Middle School."

Over 57 professionals judged the competition, including Dame Jennifer Smith who judges the finals for the senior school each year, said Ms Smith.

The topic of this year's debate was "This House believes that it is the responsibility of developed countries to protect the environment".

"Past topics included the merits of using nuclear energy, the influence of the music industry on youth and whether voting in national elections should be compulsory," she explained.

The debate tournament began 18 years ago when Victoria Cox, a member of the Bermuda Junior Service League launched the tournament.

"Her intent was to provide a forum, where middle and secondary school students in Bermuda could come together and compete in a non-sporting event," Ms Smith said.

"The tournaments have grown over the years, not just in numbers of participants, judges and volunteer support, but also in the quality of the debating skills.

"It is in the honour of Ms Cox that the event continues without fail each year."