Navy leaves Bermuda on September 1 could be the site of the new St. George's middle school if a Government Minister has his way.

Education Minister the Hon. Dr. Clarence Terceira told The Royal Gazette yesterday that there were plenty of "potential opportunities'' available once the United States Navy relinquished the Base lands next year.

Dr. Terceira, who has informed Cabinet of his desire, said while he was hopeful the buildings could be turned over for a new St. George's middle school, any decision rested with the American and Bermudian base utilisation committees.

Currently both sides are involved in negotiations about all facets of the bases transition.

"Chaffee is already the proper size for a middle school,'' he said.

"Chaffee's principal is keen on the idea although ultimately it is not up to him.

"Between now and then (September 1, 1995), we could be moving St. George's to that site so that it could become a middle school in 1997.

"This would be ideal from the Ministry's point of view.'' Government's school reform plans have currently slated St. George's Secondary to be the middle school for the area, but its physical plant is regarded as inferior to Chaffee's.

The Hon. Clarence Terceira.