at Prospect.

Works Minister the Hon. Leonard Gibbons said companies had bid for a management contract. The winning firm would oversee plans to build the school.

Mr. Gibbons said: "Negotiations are currently under way with a Canadian partner. There are plans for the partner to establish a local company together with Bermudians.'' Mr. Gibbons declined to name those involved in discussions.

But The Royal Gazette understands the local firm would be called Buttcon International Ltd. Buttcon Development Corporation and Sacha A. Simmons are applying to incorporate the company, it is believed.

Mr. Gibbons has scotched reports that local suppliers for the school project would be elbowed out of the way by Canadian firms. "Government always puts the jobs of Bermudian suppliers first,'' he stressed.