HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – El James, who was sacked last month as Education Minister after calling for the resignation of Premier Ewart Brown, has returned to his old job in the Bermuda government.

James took the oath of office at a swearing-in ceremony at Government House on Monday.

James and Energy Minister Terry Lister were sacked last month after they led demands for the Premier?s resignation in the House of Assembly.

Brown had earlier infuriated party colleagues by attempting to push through a controversial cruise ship gaming bill without the support of government backbench legislators.

Progressive Labour Party (PLP) sources had long indicated that James, a former Bermuda international
cricketer, was unlikely to remain out of the cabinet for long and James himself had not ruled out a return, telling reporters recently that ?I loved my ministry. I loved Education and I think we were doing a great job.?

James takes over the education portfolio from Attorney General Kim Wilson, who was in a caretaker role since his dismal last month.

No reasons were outlined by Premier Brown for giving James back his old job.

?The Board of Education was pleased to learn of the reappointment of El James as Minister for
Education. We have a strong working relationship with Minister James and considerable shared vision,? said Chairman of the Board of Education Mark Byrne.

?Consistency of vision and strategy is especially valuable at a time when the school system is undergoing change on several fronts. We wish the minister well with the critical and challenging portfolio,? he added.