Bermuda yesterday lost out to Australia in the World Schools' Debating Championships.

But it was the Country's first defeat in three debates, with the three-strong team triumphing over Peru and Canada earlier.

Against Australia, Bermuda argued for the proposition that this House would expand the use of nuclear energy.

Handing down the verdict after the Berkeley Institute debate, Singaporean judge Jason Chan said: "It was very hard for anyone sitting in the audience to say they have done anything wrong.

"It's not so much who has gone wrong, but who has done most right.'' He added both teams had presented their arguments "very strongly and very forcefully.'' And he said: "In terms of the case, the Bermuda case was good, but the opposition did a fantastic job.'' Mr. Chan added that the Australian case that nuclear power was not an option for the Third World because of cost and safety fears had not been effectively rebutted by the Bermuda team.

He said: "Australia as an opposition did a fantastic job of rebutting what the proposition was about.'' Representing Bermuda against Australia at the 16-country debating championships were Jordan Zancanella, joint captain Rahsan Smith and Eugene Thomson.

Other members of the national squad are joint captain Trevor Leitch and Jennifer Rhind. The coach is Gladstone Thompson.

Around 140 students, coaches, judges and observers from around the world are taking part in the championships.

The initial rounds of the competition are taking place in schools around the Island and Bermuda College.

The finals will take place at St. Paul's Centennial Hall in Hamilton next Friday.

SPEAKING OUT -- Bermuda's squad in the World Schools' Debating Championships are (front, left to right) timer Onea Mills, speaker Janelle Clarke, debaters Rahsan Smith and Jennifer Rhind and coach Gladstone Thompson. Back, (left to right) are debaters Trevor Leitch, Jordan Zancanella and Eugene Johnston.