Bermuda Democratic Alliance member Dueane Dill is calling for better communication between schools and Government to avoid any repeats of this week's class cancellations at two schools.

Mr. Dill questioned how work at Paget Primary School and Clearwater Middle School had not been completed long before the scheduled first day of class on Wednesday.

"Schools have to alert the department responsible of any problem they see happening. The Department of Education has a responsibility to communicate that to Works and Engineering and follow up to ensure any work that needs to be done is being done," the BDA's spokesman on Works and Engineering told The Royal Gazette.

Classes at Clearwater resumed yesterday after Government declared classrooms safe following carpet, air and surface tests following the discovery of asbestos in the school kitchen's ceiling last month.

The Department of Education said in a statement: "It has been noted that there are some areas of the school which need further cleaning and remediation and these will be closed off until work is completed.

"The situation will be closely monitored by the Department. There will be no disruptions to any school days."

Earlier this week, the Ministry of Works and Engineering said it advises schools to regularly open windows to combat mould growth.

But Mr. Dill said: "I would surely think they would ensure those practices are followed through during the summer."

Meanwhile, work removing termites, mould and water damage at Paget Primary was said to have been ongoing this week.

Mr. Dill said: "Given the state of public education, not being ready for the first day of school is not acceptable.

"Those tasked with the responsibility of clearing up and having it ready should have known quite early how long it needed to take.

"If you take a look at what's happening in Bermuda now with gangs and anti-social behaviour, many people are making comments about the importance of education in ensuring our young people are well-rounded and socially responsible."