Premier Alex Scott announced today that Education Minister Terry Lister has resigned from Cabinet to be replaced by former educator Neletha Butterfield.

And Randolph Horton has moved from Labour and Home Affairs to the Environment Ministry, formerly held by Ms Butterfield.

Mr. Scott replaced Mr. Horton with former Bermuda Industrial Union boss Derrick Burgess, who for the first time in the Progressive Labour Party's nearly eight years in power, moves from the backbenches.

Declaring Mr. Lister's resignation was "for personal reasons" Mr. Scott said the door will always be open for his return to the front benches.

A glum-faced Mr. Horton said he had thoroughly enjoyed his previous post.

"I make no bones about the fact that I am very disappointed to leave Labour,

Home Affairs and Public Safety but I know what is required.

"But the people of Bermuda and the Progressive Labour Party can rest assured

that all the energy I put into Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety will

go into the Environment."

Mr. Scott also acknowledged that eyebrows will be raised with the elevation of the longtime unionist Mr. Burgess, but said: "His work on behalf of labour speaks volumes about the character of the man and his labour reputation will move some to criticise his selection.

"But in fact, it is the very reason why he was appointed. Over the years we have had outstanding businessmen serve as labour Ministers and we did not see it as a problem for labour or the country.

"Therefore, now that we have appointed an outstanding native son with labour roots, we too, should not regard it as a potential problem for business or the country."

Premier Scott concluded that the Island and the world is "ever changing" and "We are living in times that require dynamic leadership, focused vision and a dedication to getting the job done", before declaring that Ms Butterfield, Mr. Horton and Mr. Burgess will be "steadfast in doing just that".