Island's entire education system.

Last week, the Opposition stalled passage of the education bill when it blocked its third and final reading.

Invoking a rule that requires a bill to be carried over to the following session if three or more Senators object, Government was forced to delay debate until yesterday.

With yesterday's passage through both houses of the legislature Government's reform plans for the education system can begin.

Government Senate Leader Lynda Milligan-Whyte said during the debate in an earlier session: "This is a very important topic which affects not just this particular generation of children, this particular generation of parents or businessmen and women who will be hiring Bermudians in the future.'' Among its many provisions are the creation of so-called "mega-schools'' for senior secondary pupils and separate middle schools for younger secondary pupils, as well as controversial proposals for a code of conduct and drugs testing for pupils.

School boards will also be set up so parents have a voice in the running of schools.

Sen. Milligan-Whyte said Government had underlined its commitment to education by consulting 185 people and was prepared to invest $118 million to back its plans.

She added the proposals were aimed at providing equal opportunities for all Bermudian children.

During a stormy session in the House of Assembly the Opposition brought a series of amendments to the Bill all of which were rejected.