dismissal of Government Veterinarian trainee Dr. Susann Smith, and plans to appeal to the Governor, Lord Waddington, to reverse her termination.

Meanwhile about 20 Department of Agriculture and Fisheries workers, members of the Bermuda Industrial Union, yesterday staged a sick-out in support of Dr.

Smith, who is a member of the BPSA but was employed on contract with Personnel Services.

Personnel Services terminated her contract on April 4, saying only that she did not meet the requirements and qualifications for the position. It is understood however Dr. Smith has failed -- on four tries -- to pass her licensing exam in the US.

And a member of Bermuda's veterinarian fraternity last night spoke out, saying Government has bent over backwards to accomodate the young Bermudian veterinarian, using taxpayers' money to pay for the four failed board exams.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the practicing veterinarian told The Royal Gazette it has been customary for any professional setting-up practice in Bermuda -- be it law, medicine, or veterinary science -- to hold recognised accreditation from a larger jurisdiction, usually the UK, the US, Canada, or Europe.

"Because Bermuda is so small it really doesn't have it's own institute of certification. For the past 35 years it has been the custom to accept (veterinarian) credentials from a registered licensing board, be it in the UK, the US, or Canada.

"We rely heavily on the process of overseas registration to set a professional standard. This situation is like getting your law degree but never passing your Bar exams.'' But the BPSA, in a written statement, says nowhere is it written into Bermuda law, the job description or the job application that Dr. Smith be required to pass a foreign licensing exam.

In addition, it has been alleged, some practising European veterinarians on the Island have not been required to write similar licencing examinations.

"We're certainly looking at ways to help the doctor,'' the BPSA's General Secretary Eugene Blakeney last night told The Royal Gazette . "This is certainly not the enouragement one would expect for a young Bermudian.'' What is not at issue are Dr. Smith's academic credentials. In addition to three years as vet-trainee on the Island, she holds a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Alabama's Tuskegee University, a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Animal and Poultry Science, and a Diploma in Tropical Animal Production and Health from the University of Edinburgh.