Comments by newly appointed Education Minister Grant Gibbons, in which he said he is consulting with those involved in education to “get a clear handle on where the public education system is right now”, have been criticised by the Opposition.

Dr Gibbons took over the education role from Nalton Brangman in a Cabinet reshuffle last month.

Wayne Furbert, Shadow Tourism Minister, said: “They’re saying that they’re going out there to talk to people and to find out where education is now. Isn’t it strange that a minister has been there for a year [and more consultation is needed?]. I find that quite strange.”

He questioned what is different about education now compared to when Mr Brangman was appointed Education Minister following the December 2012 general election.

“You came in with a plan. In the 2012 election, you guys said you had a plan for education. What have you done so far? Has it changed that much between December 2012, to twelve months later? Tell me one of the things you’ve implemented in your plan. That’s all I’m saying,” he said.

Mr Furbert spoke with The Royal Gazette following an exchange on Facebook between himself and Michael Dunkley, Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety.

On the internet social media site Mr Furbert had asked: “Did not they talk in Cabinet on any recommendations from the Former Minister to make improvements?”

Mr Dunkley replied: “A little good advice to you as Opposition ... sometimes it is best to say nothing! It is wise and prudent for a new Minister to talk to all as he enters into a new position! Enjoy the day!”

But Mr Furbert fired back, offering his own advice to Mr Dunkley “as a want to be Premier”, he wrote: “Sometimes you need to keep quite [sic]!”