The Ministry of Education has not responded to a request from The Royal Gazette to see written requests for political figures Jennifer Smith and Walter Roban to speak at public schools in the last year.

In a statement last week, a Government spokesperson said the reason US political speaker Cory Booker was not allowed to speak at CedarBridge Academy was due to the fact that a routine procedure was not followed.

"Any organisation that desires a political figure to come on the premises of a public school to address students must inform the Chief Education Officer in writing," Education spokesperson John Burchall stated.

"The Chief Education Officer will examine each request and make a determination based solely on its individual merit. This procedure was not followed in the case of Cory Booker."

Mr. Booker, who called on Bermudians to embrace the concept of diversity at a public forum and on the Shirley Dill radio talk show during his stay in Bermuda two weeks ago, was invited to speak on the Island as part of the United Bermuda Party's 40th anniversary celebrations.

A UBP source said CedarBridge principal Kalmar Richards had given the green light for Mr. Booker to speak at the school and a firm date and time had been arranged.

However just days before the scheduled appearance, the UBP was told Mr. Booker could no longer be accommodated. No further explanation was given.

In September of 2003, former Progressive Labour Party Premier Jennifer Smith spoke at Spice Valley Middle School after her book, 'Voices of Change', was introduced as a text at the school.

With her she brought new PLP Senator Walter Roban, who received an P.E. shirt from the school for his efforts in editing the book.

Mr. Roban and PLP 2003 election candidate Neville T. Darrell will also be appearing at an upcoming CedarBridge Book Fair.

The Royal Gazette sent an e-mail to Mr. Burchall on Friday requesting to see the written requests to the Chief Education Officer allowing Ms Smith, Mr. Roban and Mr. Darrell to speak at the schools.

"All local authors, some musicians and one craftsperson were sent invitations to participate in the upcoming book fair at CedarBridge Academy," the Ministry wrote back via e-mail.

"Sen. Roban is a local author who was invited and he agreed to come as a vendor for the book 'Voices of Change' for which he was the editor.

"Former Policeman Mr. Neville T. Darrell also accepted our invitation to participate. He is the author of 'Aceldama: The untold story of the Murder of the Governor of Bermuda Sir Richard Sharples'.

"Each author was asked to pay a $50 fee or make a donation to the school library. Regarding the visit of former Premier the Hon. Jennifer M. Smith JP. MP. and Mr. Walter Roban to Spice Valley Middle School, they attended at the school to present copies of the book 'Voices of Change' to the school as a gift."

On Sunday The Royal Gazette sent a second e-mail to Mr. Burchall requesting again to see the written correspondence authorising the three to speak at the schools.

In a voice-mail message on Monday Mr. Burchall said he had already responded to the request. He did not respond to a message left yesterday.