By BARBARA WALKIN

Senior FN Reporter

barbara@nasguard.com

Heated words were exchanged yesterday on the floor of the House of Assembly, when former Prime Minister and Opposition leader Hubert A. Ingraham indirectly accused the Government of mishandling funds that were allotted for increasing classroom numbers in Grand Bahama and the Family Islands.

Ingraham further questioned the Minister of Education Alfred Sears regarding funds donated to the Government by the Grand Bahama Port Authority for the construction of a Junior High School in Grand Bahama.

Sears, who rose earlier on a point of order, became the target for the demanding interrogation.

"What happened to the money that was allocated before 2002 by the FNM and in the more recent budget for the construction of a Junior High School in Grand Bahama and in the Family Islands?" asked Ingraham.

"What happened to the money?" repeated Ingraham, demanding a response from Sears.

"The raised voices from that side does not intimidate anyone on this side," said Sears.

"Since we (PLP) came into power, additional classrooms were constructed in Grand Bahama, New Providence and in the Family Islands," explained Sears.

"The PLP Government's focus is on providing classrooms for the young students of this country," he added.

As Sears recounted the number of classroom increases throughout The Bahamas, Ingraham again interjected, "we are still waiting for the Junior High School in Grand Bahama.

"The Grand Bahama Port Authority made a handsome monetary donation for the construction of the school and again I ask where is the money?"

Member of Parliament for High Rock Kenneth Russell joined his colleagues as they demanded answers, ignoring pleas from the Speaker of the House of Assembly Oswald Ingraham for the honourable gentlemen to settle themselves.

"What classrooms you'll build!" shouted Alvin Smith, former leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly.

"There are still no classrooms at Martin Town Primary and Bartlett Hill Primary schools in Grand Bahama," chimed in another Member of Parliament.

"And repairs to schools in Grand Bahama are still needed as a result of the three hurricanes and where is the money?" shouted Ingraham.

"Where is the money?" Ingraham reminded the House that students in Grand Bahama were shuffled to various points throughout the island in order to begin a new term following Wilma in 2005.

Sears, who was unable to get a word in because of the continued clamour coming from across the floor, finally conceded and allowed the Speaker to adjourn the business of the House until Wednesday, July 19 at 10:00 a.m.

Since the 2004 hurricanes, construction and repairs on classrooms at Martin Town Primary have been underway.

Similar projects have taken place at West End, Bartlett Hill Primary, St. Vincent De Paul and other schools hit by the Hurricanes Frances, Jeanne and then Wilma in 2005.

Classrooms at Martin Town Primary are still under construction. Mid-way through construction work came to a standstill because contractors were reportedly not being paid.

HUBERT INGRAHAM

ALFRED SEARS