Government intends to spend $71 million, over three years, to build a new Berkeley Institute in a move to complete "unfinished business''.

This adds one year to previous commitments, but came as welcome news to the man who heads the school's board of Governors.

Finance Minister Eugene Cox yesterday, in the first true PLP Budget, promised borrowed money to pay for the new school will not go over ten percent of the Island's gross domestic product.

Eighteen million dollars will be spent this year for the new school, to make it the equal of the flagship, CedarBridge Academy. Mr. Cox said there was "no doubt'' that money would have to be borrowed, but he called the education of children "a priority upon which the rest of our plans depend''.

But while the overall budget will jump just by $400,000, some $1.4 million in new spending was allocated to the Ministry.

Overall, savings within the Ministry of Education's budget is due to "an examination of departmental priorities''.

During 1999, Ministers were asked to scour their budgets for waste and unnecessary projects.

Last year the budget stood at $68.6 million while the new budget will be an even $69 million.

And Mr. Cox promised that while the debt ceiling will be raised, his party will "adhere to the prudent policy'' of not over-borrowing.

Government has allocated $8.3 million for the conversion of five primary schools into middle schools this year to complete the previous UBP Government's programmes.

Plans to reduce class size in 18 Government primary schools will go ahead with $850,000 being taken out of the Capital Expenditure.

Last year $308,000 was spent on the first phase of class size reduction, improving facilities within the schools.

New school a sign of commitment: Cox Mr. Cox said that Government is "committed to the public education system'' and said Education will get $1.4 million in new spending.

The new Attendance Officer department started by the ministry last summer has been allocated $265,000 for six officers and a co-ordinator/officer.

CedarBridge Academy will get ten new teachers in the coming year, while Berkeley will get four learning support substitute and five paraprofessional teachers, costing just over $400,000.

"Education and training are priorities for our people, Mr. Cox said in summarising the education budget.

Earlier, Mr. Cox said the Island's young people would get "opportunities through education'' to be able to participate in the economy "and not feel alienated in their own country''.

Government, he added, would provide "extensive new funding for education and training'' in the coming year, calling it the "most far-sighted economic investment'' the country can make.

"Educated and equipped people have a great future,'' he said. "Unqualified and ill-prepared people will face continued economic, and hence social, struggle.'' The Island could not afford to "waste'' any more lives or opportunities during the next century.

Education Minister Milton Scott was happy yesterday with budget allocation.

He said: "I'm very pleased. Of course you never get everything, but it shows Government's commitment to giving education a priority in this country.'' He said the small increase this year was through prudent budgeting, and added: "We feel that we have sufficient funding.

Mr. Scott was confident the new Berkeley Institute would be an asset to education in Bermuda and possibly best CedarBridge in terms of infrastructure.

"I think we will learn from the challenges of building CedarBridge,'' he said. "Especially with the technical advances in the last three years, that will make it the equal if not in some ways better (than CedarBridge).'' Significant this year is the investment in information technology (IT) for schools with the hiring last year of an IT consultant, and the infusion of $750,000 for new computers.

"What we intend is to see the IT infrastructure that is the equal of anything in this region. First rate is what we're looking for,'' Mr. Scott said.

"Everything nowadays is linked. We will be upgrading and or installing new computers in the primary schools as well.'' Chairman of the Berkeley Board of Governors, Calvin White said yesterday: "The only thing I'm prepared to say right now is that we on the Board are delighted with Government's commitment to education.'' He added: "We are ready to work with them toward the completion of the new school.'' Chair of the Education Board, A. Constance McHardy was interested in the development of children and helping them reach their potential.

"As I'm just hearing this, all I can say is that I hope the facility is environmentally and pupil friendly,'' Mrs. McHardy said. "I hope that it is built so that each and every child can be exposed to the things that will help them realise their own potential and uniqueness.'' CHART MINISTRY OF EDUCATION SPENDING