technical training and pre-school learning.

He also pledged to survey teachers' needs throughout the Island, and try to extend after-school care.

In addition, Dr. Terceira restated his determination to bring forward the school reforms timetable.

The new system of middle and senior secondary schools was to be phased in between 1996 and 2002.

But Dr. Terceira refused to commit himself to any new dates.

"If there is a possibility of bringing everything forward I will do so. I am hopeful I might be able to.'' he said.

He added: "Much has already been done, and we are poised to start the actual physical programme itself.

"I will look at that work, and see what can be done to get things going as quickly as possible.'' Dr. Terceira said with the Tynes Bay Incinerator and prison projects winding down, now was a good time to launch new ventures.

The former Education Board chairman was speaking on the first day in the political hot seat occupied until Wednesday by the Hon. Gerald Simons.

The father-of-four and former dentist was moved from Works and Engineering in the Cabinet shuffle.

Last night he revealed one of his first moves will be to survey the needs of all Bermuda's schools.

The fact-finding will cover text books and equipment.

"I am going to be checking on the details of all schools, and get reports from them on what the requirements are,'' said Dr. Terceira, whose new appointment was announced during his honeymoon.

"I'm not suggesting this hasn't been done before, and that my Ministry hasn't a handle on this already.

"But I would like to find these things out so I am fully briefed. Obviously I want to do all my homework.'' Dr. Terceira, who has a degree in chemistry, maths, and psychology as well as dentistry, said his educational philosophy differed from many.

"Many people look at education as just a means of getting a job. I have a different view.

"My view is that education is for life, it is to learn the skills to enjoy one's sojourn on this earth, and to live as enjoyable a life as possible. A good job is a spin-off.'' Dr. Terceira, however, said he was very keen to put more emphasis on technical training in schools.

It was essential to tap the skills of people with a natural bent for electronics, or engineering, for instance.

And Dr. Terceira hoped the two four-year senior secondary schools would exploit these talents.

"They will open tremendous vistas for these particular students,'' he said.

"I plan to put more emphasis on technical training.'' Dr. Terceira stressed technical training was also important for academic people.

"I think all students should be encouraged to do something with their hands.'' Dr. Terceira said he also planned to extend pre-schools for children up to the age of four, and ensure every parish had one.

He has set himself an ambitious target of September for achieving this.

"I will be looking about seeing whether church halls can be rented for pre-schools,'' he explained.

After-school care is in line for extension as well, said Dr. Terceira. "There are more women in the workplace than men and because of that it's necessary to have somewhere for these children to go when their mothers are working.''