The Bermuda High School for Girls senior debate team defeated a tough Berkeley Institute team in a spirited debate on Independence at the Bermuda College last night.

Rather than listening to politicians who?s voices usually dominate the airwaves, the community had a fresh perspective on the topic after watching the students battle over the motion ?This House Believes Bermuda Should Go Independent?.

The pros and cons of independence were thrashed about as commissioners from the Bermuda Independence Commission, Premier Alex Scott and members of the Government watched. In the end, the debate may have demonstrated that the Island?s school children may know a great deal more about Government topics than the man on the street.

The BHS debate team began their argument stating independence was the way forward for Bermuda in an increasingly interdependent world.

The team of Akilah Beckles, Caitlin Collis, and Genevieve Gordon argued that with the Island?s strong economy, democratic Government, and culture made a strong case for independent in a world where colonialism was becoming an increasingly outdated practice.

The Berkeley Institute Team of Travis Stevens, Raisa Simons-Smith and Ronnelle James rejected the motion, stating there were other issues on the minds of Bermudians and that independence and there was no real reason for the Island to sever ties with the United Kingdom.

Ms Beckles said colonisation was an outdated and the Island?s unique needs in 2005 when ?the needs of Bermudians are different than those seen by the UK Foreign Office?.

Mr. Stevens, leading Berkley, said the topic of independence had been thrust upon the community, and was not an issue which required immediate attention in comparison to issues like housing, violence economic stability and tourism.

He said according to research over half of the population were not in favour of the idea of independence. The Opposition also pointed out that travel rights would be restricted and obtaining the freedom of travel in the EU and the UK would not be as easy for Bermudians who do not have a British passport.

Both teams pointed out that the cost of going independent was several million dollars, but the opposition made a strong argument when they stated several million to go independent was worth it in the long run to give Bermuda control over its foreign affairs.

However, the Opposition side disagreed pointing out the Government was still working on allocating funds to different social projects such as affordable housing developments.

?Why make an investment when you don?t know what the outcome will be?? said Mr. Stevens. His team mates Ms James and Ms Simons-Smith said independence would not put a roof over people?s heads or stop issues of violence in the community.

?We have good Government ? why jeopardise that?? asked Ms James, pointing out the Island has yet to take steps in dealing with social issues such as crime and housing. Ms Gordon and Ms Collis argued that the issue of independence was also one of national pride and would help achieve cohesion in a community which had developed to become a melting pot of different cultures.

?Sixty percent of Bermuda is black, our flag and our national anthem have no relevance to that majority,? said Ms Gordon.

?With independence, no longer will we bear the weight of our colonial yoke,? said Ms Collis, a statement which earned some applause among the audience.

The winning team also pointed out that visa waivers could be worked out between Bermuda and other countries.

?This will be a slight inconvenience but will not be an insurmountable problem, it simply means we will have to be more organised when travelling abroad,? added Ms Collis.

BIC chariman Bishop Lambe presented awards to the winning teams after the debate.

The quiz held earlier in the evening was won by the Bermuda College who were represented by Ms Deidre Lee Bean.

The essay, also sponsored by the BIC was won by Berkley student Ms Ronnelle James with Ms Deidre Lee Bean as the runner up.