Government Minister Renee Webb was scolded last night after an office cock-up caused her to miss an education award ceremony for youngsters.

Alliance Francaise of Bermuda had some harsh words for the Telecommunications Minister and her staff, after 13 students and their parents were left in the dark.

Officials, who had invited Ms Webb because she speaks French, had even called her office earlier in the day and were told by a secretary that she would be attending.

But the 5 p.m. start time came and went, as the 40 people assembled to see prizes given to the best first-year French students on the Island were left twiddling their thumbs.

After waiting 20 minutes Alliance Francaise president Mariette Savoie decided enough was enough, and handed the awards to the hard-working children herself.

But last night Ms Webb said she knew nothing of the event and blammed a lack of communication in her department for the cock-up.

An angry Alliance Francaise vice-president Nicky Gurret said: "It was very rude. I called this morning and was told that `yes, she was still coming'.

"I said it would be a quick ceremony, and she had just to give out the prizes.'' Ms Gurret and past president Noemie Rattray were particularly upset at the bad impression left on the youngsters, from Warwick Academy, CedarBridge Academy, Saltus and Bermuda High School for Girls.

Ms. Webb apologised to the officials and the children, adding that since she was a member of Alliance Francaise she would always try to attend -- especially since it was for young children.

"It was a total misunderstanding. I am not the type of person that doesn't show up. I can imagine they would be upset,'' she said. "It is totally unacceptable, I was in my office until 7.30 p.m.'' And Ms Webb said she intended to investigate the mystery. She was especially upset since Alliance Francaise had faxed her department and followed up with phone calls.

Nicky Gurret said they had spent many weeks trying to persuade a Government Minister to attend. They initially approached Education Minister Milton Scott, but after faxing a request and calling his department up to five times for a response, three weeks later they were told he could not attend. Next choice, Development and Opportunity Minister Terry Lister was more polite, replying almost immediately that he could not make it.

He suggested Renee Webb, who attended the renowned Paris school La Sorbonne.

Her department replied, saying she "would be happy to come''.