Bermuda's former Education Minister said.

"It is simply a factor,'' the Hon. Gerald Simons said of racism. "You can never understand any social problem in Bermuda unless you factor in race.

"Anyone who's looked at the history of education in Bermuda will be aware that white racists have opposed major reforms in education that would benefit the majority of blacks in Bermuda,'' said Mr. Simons, who was recently shifted to the Environment Ministry. "That's a historical fact.'' But he rejected the charge from St. George's Secondary School principal Mr.

Dale Butler that he was moved from his post because whites in the United Bermuda Party wanted to keep children from working class families segregated.

"That just doesn't hold water,'' because it suggests the reforms will not go ahead, he said. "The Government remains committed to carrying out the education reforms.'' Asked whether racism hampered implementation of the school reforms, Mr. Simons said: "There are those who would resent spending millions on education although they don't object to spending millions of dollars on other areas.

That sentiment was expressed to me, mainly by whites.'' But there were also many whites enthusiastic about a school system patterned on a North American model, rather than an English one, he said. And some "black elitists'' were concerned about reforms aimed at creating equal opportunity for all, he said.

While the proposed changes stirred public fears, "towards the end of my time as Minister the concern was that change wasn't happening fast enough''.

Asked if he had more difficulty implementing education reforms than a white Education Minister would, Mr. Simons said: "I don't know.'' Some blacks in high positions have more difficulty exercising their authority than whites, he said. "That comes about not just because of the attitudes of whites, but also because of the attitudes of blacks.

"In some situations, people are more willing to accept statements by whites than by blacks. That is part of our historical baggage.'' New Education Minister the Hon. Dr. Clarence Terceira will provide "a fresh burst of energy that can only be positive,'' he added. "Most of the very difficult decisions have been made.'' Dr. Terceira's job is implementation, more than planning, and "to that extent, his task will be easier''.