That was the view of West Pembroke teacher Ray Smith who has organised the Island's first primary school debating competition.

The school's gymnasium was yesterday turned over to mental gymnastics rather than physical ones as six teams battled to convince judges that their hotel was the most child-friendly.

As a part of Education Month's tourism-focused activities, Modified Middle One, formerly Primary Seven, pupils were organised into six teams of four to debate the motion that "This House believes this hotel is the most child friendly''.

Yetsreday, the team speaking for Elbow Beach emerged triumphant. The tournament was judged by Bermuda Debating Team coach Gladstone Thompson.

Johnson & Higgins presented a trophy to the winners and certificates to all participants.

To research for the debate, students visited the hotels and interviewed staff to gather information on whether that hotel was child-friendly.

Mr. Smith said he arranged the debate after attending a debating workshop.

And he said primary school students were not too young to begin debating.

"They have had debates in their classroom,'' he added. "We're trying to show them that there are two sides to every story.'' Participant Joshua Paulos, 12, said he did extensive research for his debate, arguing on behalf of Sonesta Beach Hotel.

"I visited the hotel and called them,'' he said.

But Joshua admitted that he was a little nervous about speaking in front of his classmates.

"At first I was nervous, but not too nervous,'' he said. "I couldn't have done it without my partners. I definitely want to do it again.'' COMPETITION CPN