chalice'' of the Education Ministry in a major pre-election Cabinet shuffle.

He has been shifted to Environment, and the chalice passed on to the Hon.

Clarence Terceira.

Dr. Terceira, a former chairman of the Education Board, immediately announced plans to speed up school reforms.

"What I intend to do is a fast track. To bite the bullet and proceed as quickly as possible,'' he said.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan was quick to stamp on suggestions Mr. Simons had been fired, and brushed aside accusations of election panic.

Mr. Simons -- the longest serving Education Minister -- has been blasted by parents and teachers for political fumbling over proposed reforms.

And the outcome of the next election is seen to hinge on education.

But Sir John said yesterday of Mr. Simons: "He has moved by mutual consensus.'' Dr. Terceira has been replaced at Works and Engineering by Environment Minister and Deputy Premier the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto.

And changes have been made to the Hon. Michael Winfield's Information and Management Services Ministry.

It will become the Ministry of Management and Technology, signalling a shift in focus.

Sen. Winfield will effectively become the Premier's right hand man, helping to map out the future of Bermuda's military bases.

Meanwhile, Information Services will be combined with the Community and Cultural Affairs portfolio.

This will continue to be handled by the Hon. Leonard Gibbons.

The shake-up marks a major bid by the Premier to breathe fresh life into the Cabinet in the election run-up -- although the Progressive Labour Party dismissed it as "window dressing'.

Sir John swept aside suggestions the shuffle foreshadowed an imminent election.

He said Government did not have to go to the polls for more than a year.

"We live in a world of rapid change, and I am determined that we should position ourselves to meet its challenge and to grasp the opportunities it presents,'' Sir John declared.

He added: "These changes are, I believe, both sensible and timely.'' Sir John was keen to praise Mr. Simons, who has been at the helm of Education for seven years.

He described him as the architect of the Education Reform Plan, bringing the Country to the brink of embarking on the biggest capital development programme in its history.

"Mr. Simons has created a plan of radical and positive change in education.

"It has been a huge undertaking, and I believe it is now time for the plan's architect to stand aside and allow a man who has made a reputation as a builder to take over.'' Sir John said Mr. Simons was a logical choice for Environment.

An ex-president of the National Trust, Mr. Simons also wrote the foreword to the book Bermuda's Delicate Balance , pointed out Sir John.

"It is this very balance which he will now be addressing.'' Mr. Simons smiled wryly at speculation he had been shunted sideways, and said: "I am looking forward to the new challenge.'' Sir John characterised Mr. Simons' successor as a builder with a firm pair of hands, able to complete projects brick by brick.

He said Dr. Terceira -- mastermind behind building the Tynes Bay incinerator -- possessed the ideal track record.

Of Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto, he applauded her "considerable abilities'' as Environment Minister, highlighting the new development plan for Bermuda.

He said she had the determination and dynamism to push through capital projects brought on by education reforms.

Sen. Winfield's move was hailed as key in Government's "strategic planning''.

Sir John said Sen. Winfield would help him with the Commission on Competitiveness and the Employment Task Force.

He will also have a say in the future of the US and Canadian bases.

Sir John added Mr. Gibbons would be a valuable addition to Information Services.

"It will allow him to further the development of Government communication with the community.'' PLP leader Mr. Frederick Wade yesterday accused Sir John of doing the "election shuffle''.

"He is moving the chess players, but the United Bermuda Party Government's game plan is still the same.'' Mr. Wade said the PLP had called for Mr. Simons' head several months ago following Government's failed education policies.

"For any meaningful change, what Bermuda really needs is a change in Government -- not this exercise in futility by a Government flailing around in a desperate bid to hold on to power.'' CHANGING FACES -- Education Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons parries journalists' questions after it was announced he would be switching to Environment.