Government's "Write to Read'' programme by January.

Education Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons confirmed yesterday that the programme, which was implemented in all the other public primary schools in the 1980s, would be available at Gilbert shortly after renovation and construction work is completed.

Bids for the work, which includes construction of the Write to Read classroom and a new library and renovation of the staff room and computer room, have to be in by next Monday, Works and Engineering Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira said. Government will award the contract soon after.

Dr. Terceira said work is expected to begin in July and continue throughout the year.

The cost of the work, which has been in the planning stages for 18 months, will depend on the bids, he said.

Gilbert Institute's PTA has been lobbying for six years to get funds for a facility for the Write To Read programme.

The multi-media programme was implemented at the primary school level to improve students' writing and reading skills.

But without an instruction room for the programme, Gilbert has had its Write to Read equipment and materials packed in boxes throughout the school.

In December, 1990, the school's PTA presented Premier, the Hon. Sir John Swan with a petition demanding answers to several concerns, including the school's lack of a Write to Read facility.

PTA president, at the time, Mrs. Pauline Richards said Government promised to provide the funds for a room, but later reneged because "funds were used to refurbish the (fire-gutted) Francis Patton building''.

Mr. Simons assured parents that the Write to Read problem would get high priority.

And in this year's Budget debate, he said funds had been set aside for the work.

"The programme will be put in as soon as the building is ready,'' Mr. Simons said yesterday. "Once Works and Engineering finish, it will only take weeks to implement.''