The Opposition United Bermuda Party yesterday called on Government to make a statement accepting the decision of the Appeals Tribunal on St. George?s Prep.

Education Minister Terry Lister was due to make an announcement last week on whether the school would have one or two Primary One classes in September, but cancelled a press conference when teachers went on a sick-out over pay.

Earlier this month, the tribunal upheld parents? right to send their children to a school of their choice after a protest campaign against the Ministry?s decision to cut the class at the popular school.

The decision meant that many parents could not send their children to the school of their choice and 25 families, represented pro bono by lawyer Richard Horseman, took their case to the tribunal which ruled on May 13 that the school should continue with two Primary One classes for the 2004/2005 school year. ?It?s been several weeks since the tribunal ruled in favour of the parents,? said Opposition Senate Leader .

?Many felt blindsided, many were outraged. They galvanised and some 25 of them launched an appeal ... much to their chagrin and much to their disappointment we have yet to have any indication from the Minister as to what the position is.?

He said parents were now anxious as the Minister continued to keep them in the dark.

?There is still a cloud that hangs over the heads of the parents and those in the community as to what in fact will be contained in the Minister?s statement,? the Senator continued.

He said the fact that the Minister has been involved in the dispute with teachers was no excuse for not making a statement accepting the decision. ?I would urge the Minister to come forward and take on board the decision and do the right thing. Do the right thing for the parents and do the right thing for the community.?

Government said that Mr. Lister would be making a statement shortly. It is not known whether he would accept the Tribunal?s decision which is by law final ? the Minister has said that he was surprised by the decision and that there were a number of options available going forward.

Mr. Lister could not be reached for comment by Press time last night.