The question for many young debaters was whether international business made a positive difference on the Island.

As part of International Business Week, the Bermuda International Business Association hosted a Youth Debate, featuring the National Debate Team, at Cathedral Hall.

Two teams, of three students each, argued the motion: "Does International Business make a positive difference in Bermuda?"

Michelle Smith on the proposition team used economics as her argument.She held that the multiplier effect of these companies being on the Island trickles down to benefit the average Bermudian.

Ms Smith pointed to Bermuda's small size and therefore its inability to have resources for factories and the like. She stressed that we must depend on other countries whether, as tourists or guest workers, to support our people.

The opposition team argued that dependence on foreign companies was the problem.

Akilah Beckles pointed out that Bermuda had become a huge topic for the United States Presidential elections. She said that depending on something that can be taken away with "the stroke of a pen", with the change in tax treaties, was fragile and foolhardy.

Venetia Furbert of the proposition highlighted the charitable donations and public school support provided by the International Business sector.

While the opposition's Shaunee James argued that the public school donations were only necessary because of the social divide between the public and private school systems, mostly brought on by the fact that the children of International Business employees are filling up the private system.

She called it the divide between the "haves and the have-nots".

Emotions ran high as the same speaker talked about the 28 percent increase in housing costs over the last 30 years, due in part to housing allowances provided for the employees of international companies, putting the average Bermudian at a lower standard of living.

But Patrick Suter, the third proposition speaker said there were more people here, and less land available than 30 years ago, leading to the higher cost of housing.

He also stressed that a portion of those not able to pay rent could be living above their means, and attributed the materialistic lifestyle of many Bermudians to their inability to afford housing.

The teams were allowed two minutes to prepare a final argument, and each was delivered was great passion..