While holding two consultant reports in her hand, an Opposition MP accused the Government of knowingly sending CedarBridge Academy teachers and students into a sick building.

Moments later the Education Minister energetically fired back during Friday night’s Motion to Adjourn in Parliament.

He said a series of reports, soon to be made public, will reveal that the recent health problems at CedarBridge are a direct result of a construction project poorly supervised by the United Bermuda Party.

The bombastic response from Minister Randolph Horton was prompted when Shadow Health Minister Louise Jackson said she obtained an architectural design report and a scientific report which informed the Minister that the building wasn’t safe.

“All we’re asking for is full disclosure because we have two reports, nothing is being done,” she said. “A panel was supposed to be operating and giving this country some answers as to what has been going on at CedarBridge. We have not had the answers.”

The reports were from July 2006. Minister Horton called the allegation from Mrs. Jackson “absolutely ridiculous and unfounded”.

He said: “At no time has this Government allowed students or teachers to enter that school unless there was an indication from the analysts that the air quality was such that it would not be harmful to those in the school.”

Mrs. Jackson interrupted the Minister to read a damning line from a report from Microbiology Specialists Incorporated: “These bacterial levels exceed any acceptable levels for potable or recreational waters and are considered sewage level.”

Minister Horton leapt from his seat to explain.

He said: “I can tell this honourable House I have seen that report. We’ve also recognised the lack of credibility in that person who provided that report. Yes, the Department of Education hired that person but in the end have found out it may have been a mistake to hire that particular person.”

Mrs. Jackson then proceeded to read from a report by a consultant called Samuel Harris.

“Another concern was the inadequacies of the mechanical systems, mainly that it provides relatively little filtration and virtually no disinfecting of incoming fresh air,” she read.

Minister Horton again leapt from his seat. He said: “She’s talking about the mechanical system, a mechanical system that was built by the United Bermuda Party. When I bring the report here you will find the absolute inadequacy of the previous Government in terms of overseeing the construction of that building.

“The number of mistakes made in constructing that building will make you open your arms and wonder.”

The Education Minister vowed to produce a series of reports for Members to inspect for themselves and he said it would happen “very soon, at least in the next couple of weeks”.

Mrs. Jackson also defended a previously reported story about senior citizens at a Government Rest Home being fed a diet of fast food. She said she would not apologise for blowing the whistle and believed the information she had was true, despite a contrary account from Minister of Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler.

Mrs. Jackson said the fact that the Sylvia Richardson Rest Home was in the process of hiring a chef and kitchen staff proves that the facility is not equipped to feed seniors adequately.

Minister Butler was not in the House at the time to offer a response.