by fire, will be fully linked up to the Internet thanks to a donation from a local business.

The school's insurers weren't willing to pay for an expansion to a cabling conduit needed to link new computers to the Web.

But a donation of $5,000 from the reinsurance company Renaissance Reinsurance has allowed the school to fit a wider conduit which will allow all pupils to go fully on-line next year.

The company on Friday handed over a Destination PC Pentium processor with internet capability and computer furniture, and offered its computer expertise on an on-going basis in the future.

Harrington Sound Principal Beverly Daniels was delighted with the donation and hoped it would lead to further co-operation with the company.

Renaissance Reinsurance senior vice-president Bob Hykes said when he heard about the fire in February he enquired through a friend in his church to see if there was anything which could be done. But when the school on Harrington Sound Road, Smith's Parish, announced its refurbishment plans involving the computer network, it became clear Renaissance could help out. Mr. Hykes said: "Renaissance values and supports the improvement of Bermuda's educational system and is pleased to be able to make these contributions.

Mrs Daniels added: "It's always exciting when business is prepared to support public education and we were just ecstatic. It is a morale booster.'' Some 250 pupils have returned to the school, but a small number are still at Devon Lane School. Three youths charged with causing the fire are scheduled to appear for trial November 15.

Linked up: Senior Vice-President of Renaissance Reinsurance Bob Hykes (right) presents a Destination Pentium computer to Harrington Sound Primary School Principal Beverly Daniels, watched by the company's network administrator Dion Tucker, technical accounts supervisor Josie Smith (left) and pupils Stefan Knight, 10, Stephanie Blyden, 10, Samantha Smith-Joseph, 10, Joann Nichols, 9, and Baron Barton, 9.

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