New Education Minister Neletha Butterfield described herself yesterday as "pleased" with her new position, adding that she not see it as a promotion but as an opportunity to further serve her country.

The former Senator and mother-of-three, who only the day before had denied considering resigning as Environment Minister over the Government's plan to build a $500 million hospital in the Botanical Gardens, spoke only briefly at a press conference at Government House.

She told journalists: "If there is anything closer to my heart than the environment then it's education. I'm very happy and appreciative today to serve as the Minister of Education and Development."

Later, she revealed to that she had never discussed the Ministry of Education job ? which deals with a $132 million budget, the second largest in Government ? with the Premier before he offered it to her this week, following Terry Lister's resignation.

"When you do serve in Cabinet, change is likely to happen," she said. "I'm sure the decision was made or discussed soon after the resignation of the former Minister of Education. I'm willing to serve in any position that's available."

She said she did not believe that the controversy surrounding the hospital plan ? a decision she was rumoured to have opposed ? had anything to do with the move.

"You are talking about apples and oranges in this case," she said, adding that the "unexpected resignation" was behind the reshuffle.

She agreed that Education was a Ministry often in the line of fire and one with a budget more than five times bigger than her previous department.

But she said: "I believe it's important to focus on education. Education is the key that not only opens the doors but that also unlocks the doors. I'm looking forward to seeing what new initiatives we can have."

Ms Butterfield is the former director of the Alternative Learning Centre CARE. She said her experiences there would help her improve the Island's graduation rate and provide more lifelong learning opportunities for Bermudians.