The Education Minister needs to restore stability to the CedarBridge Academy board of governors following the resignation of its executive members, said Shadow Education Minister Grant Gibbons.

Dr. Gibbons said yesterday that Minister Elvin James needed to move quickly to do two things at CedarBridge. "First, he needs to restore board stability and governance...

"Secondly, he needs to be honest and explain to parents and the public precisely what has been going on at the Board level that has resulted in the current situation and why he did not move earlier to resolve the Chairman's position and other issues clearly underlying the present crisis."

Dr. Gibbons' comments came after the announcement board chairman George Scott and deputy chair Lovitta Foggo had been fired by Minister James. Following their termination, the remaining executive board members resigned and sent immediate notice to Government.

The Education Minister and CedarBridge Academy board members would not comment on the situation on Friday night. But Mr. James is expected to hold a press conference today and the board members may speak after that. According to Dr. Gibbons, it is important to get the high school board up and running as soon as possible.

"The business of educating our students at CedarBridge is too important to allow any governance crisis to affect our students and their continuing education.

"CedarBridge is a critical element of the public education system and the Minister can't allow its senior governance structure to remain adrift for any significant period."

A letter sent by the Minister of Education to Mr. Scott on Wednesday said the chairman was unable to serve on the board of governors for more than two consecutive terms. Mr. Scott was first appointed to the CedarBridge Academy board in 2004.

It read: "I offer my apologies for this oversight and regret to inform you that, in order to comply with the provisions of the Act, I must declare your position on the board vacant with immediate effect."

The letter did not explain why Ms Foggo, who is Government's Chief Whip, had her position on the board terminated. Her first term on the high school's board was due to finish at the end of this year.

The news comes after defamatory letters were circulated in July, containing allegations about Mr. Scott, Ms Foggo and board member Linda Franks. Their lawyer, Phil Perinchief, made a complaint to Police.