education is creating a cultural time bomb.

His fears were echoed by Berkeley Institute Principal Michelle Gabisi and Shadow Education spokesman Tim Smith.

Sir John, who helped integrate Warwick Academy during his time as chairman of the Governors from 1946 to 1972, said if children did not mix at an early age then the racial divide would be perpetuated in later life.

He said: "I don't have the latest figures but based on my knowledge at present the balance in Government schools does not reflect that of society.

"When schools were originally integrated it was our hope that would be the result -- that it would, in fact, reflect the racial balance.

"But it's my understanding the only school that meets that criteria is Warwick Academy.

"The problem is that if schools are white or black and they don't really mix that will be reflected for most of the lives of those children.

"If white children grow up almost exclusively with white children and black children grow up almost exclusively with black children then it's going to be very difficult for them to assimilate and mix when they reach adulthood.

"It's most important that integration should start as young as possible.

"This is in the interests of all of us.

"The problem is at the senior level -- that's where the imbalance is and that's why the new Berkeley is being built.'' Sir John said the perception of falling standards prompted parents to go private and helped cause the racial imbalance in state schools.

He said: "The segregation is the voluntary kind -- schools are open to any child.

"I think it's falling standards in Government schools, whether that's the case I am not in a position to say.

"That's the general impression. I believe some Government schools are very good but some have problems.

"People have got to be encouraged to believe children can go to Government schools and get the same standard of education and be in the same sort of circumstances as private schools.'' Asked about the race mix at state schools Education Minister Milton Scott said: "We don't even keep statistics on that.

He said: "That's the choice they make -- we educate whomever comes through our doors irrespective of their race or gender.

"We have neighbourhood schools.

"That's people's choice to send their children to private schools -- if one group does that, then that's the situation they deal with.'' Segregation fears "Blacks integrated into Warwick Academy but whites did not integrate into Berkeley Institute.'' Sir John said racism on the part of some white parents was also a factor.

He said: "I think it still remains. It's going to take quite a while to change.'' Berkeley Institute Principal Michelle Gabisi also expressed concern about the separation of races at school level.

She said: "I think it's one of the reasons we have so many issues in our society today, that you don't have a greater mix among the races in our schools.

"I have worked in the private and public sectors and there are obvious issues -- I hope that can be addressed over time so we have a better balance throughout the system -- both public and private, to be frank.

"Berkeley is open to all. Ideally I would like to see the demographics of the school reflect that of society but I am sure they don't.'' Shadow Education Minister Tim Smith said: "I am concerned that our schools, particularly at the middle and senior levels are not as racially diverse as they could be.

"Some schools are clearly showing success in encouraging a diverse student body.

"I believe it's important that Bermuda's schools, public and private, be as richly diverse as possible in terms of race, religion and national origin.

"This way our children develop a respect, appreciation and understanding of what exists in the real world.

"Discriminatory practices are the result of ignorance and fear.

"If we enlighten young people at an early age by exposing them to racially and culturally diverse environments, the community will benefit immeasurably for years to come.'' Academic Dr. Eva Hodgson said: "We do still have a racial divide. Part of the reason is that more white people send their children overseas and the percentage of white people is smaller in any case.

"Whites always disappear when blacks arrive. Whitney Institute was particularly white, but when blacks arrived whites disappeared.'' DISCRIMINATION DIS