GOVERNMENT yesterday responded to week-old claims involving corruption and negligence at the new Berkeley school, denying any attempt of a "cover-up" at the Pembroke site.

Acting Works & Engineering and Housing Minister Larry Mussenden described allegations by fired construction expert Gabriel Martel as "untruths", calling the media "irresponsible and negligent" for printing them. An industry veteran boasting 40 years' experience, Mr. Martel was fired ? with one month's severance pay ? after he presented a report condemning the standard of electrical and construction work at the school.

"There has been no 'cover-up'," Senator Mussenden said yesterday. "In fact, we have operated in an open and transparent manner regarding the completion of the new senior school. If anything, this project has been scrutinised more than any other capital project that has been undertaken by this Government. The important thing to remember is that the authorities having jurisdiction, such as the Health Department, the Planning Department, the Electrical Department of Planning Department and the Bermuda Fire Service, have all signed off on their respective areas, allowing the Ministry of Education and Development to proceed with the necessary outfitting of equipment for the school."

Sen. Mussenden explained that Mr. Martel had been hired by Somers Construction to fulfil a supervisory role, asked to perform functions on behalf of that group and the Ministry of Works & Engineering and Housing.

"Indeed, much has been written and much has been said about the new Senior Secondary School of late and we as Government felt duty-bound to dispel the untruths that have been espoused by Mr. Martel.

"However, he no longer has a part to play in the further progress of the new senior secondary school and the issue of Mr. Martel has been appropriately addressed by Mr. Michael Butt, CEO of Somers Construction (

"As for this Government, we hold and will continue to hold contractors to the highest standards. For the record, the staff of the Ministry of Works & Engineering and Housing, and the contracting team at Somers Construction are all people of integrity ? men and women who are not only dedicated professionals, but are committed to providing this country with a finished product that can be pointed to as a symbol of pride.

"For the media to malign the professionalism and character of these individuals is irresponsible and negligent."

Sen. Mussenden said several overseas experts had reviewed the work completed on the site, and that any failings had been corrected to standard.

However, he insisted that even further inspection would take place before the Department of Education opened the school to students.

"Reputable overseas architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical consultants have continually reviewed the facility during construction and have advised accordingly where deficiencies exist. To emphasise the point even more, anyone who has built a home or who owns a small business is familiar with punch lists and what needs to be worked through to rectify deficiencies. This is the standard practice with all construction projects, both large and small.

"Finally, I can assure that in due course there will be further inspections and tests on the facility prior to any student entering those gates. With this in mind, it appears that Mr. Martel's intent in releasing his findings in the manner which he did to the and to was simply to embarrass the Government and to be vindictive against his former employers.

"Both of these are sad motives where the issue of public confidence is concerned."

The Senator expressed certainty that once the new school opens, residents and students "will embrace this facility and have confidence in its ability to serve the needs of the island's children for generations to come".

The also contacted Somers Construction, Works & Engineering project manager David Butterfield and chairman of the Berkeley Institute board of Trustees, Calvin White, for comment. None chose to respond.