to delay school reforms.

In a two-page statement the party questioned how Government could claim it was "capable of economically running the country, when their own Education Minister admits that they are limited because of the incinerator and prison projects absorbing capital borrowing''.

"This statement smacks of economical incompetency when a Government places waste disposal and incineration as priorities over education,'' the NLP said.

"The National Liberal Party, along with parents and teachers are disgusted with the lack of genuine commitment to this most important Ministry in Government.

"Without quality education we cannot expect to have a graduating workforce of young people that will provide the excellent service and professionalism required in our tourism industry and offshore businesses.'' Earlier this week, Education Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons announced that changes to the public school system will not begin until 1996.

Reforms were originally to take place between 1991 and 1995.

But Mr. Simons said a review of original plans by his Ministry's Implementation team showed "extensive addition and renovations'' were required at the existing secondary schools designated to be middle schools.

The renovations were "so extensive'' that they would have required closing Sandys Secondary and Warwick Secondary for up to two years.

Therefore Government decided to introduce three-year middle schools instead of the planned four-year schools, allowing existing secondary schools to be used.

But the NLP noted that over the past five years there have been three studies of Canadian consultant Mr. Stewart Toll's report on local schools, 201 recommendations from the Education Planning Team, and a Green Paper on education.

In addition a survey on education was conducted by Penn & Schoen, a half-hour film was produced by Panatel VDS Ltd. on the proposed single senior school, and "another survey (was) done last year at a cost exceeding $2 million.''.

The party also pointed out Government "on the eve'' of the 1989 general election promised to have restructuring completed by 1995.