to practice on the Island.

Dr. Susann Smith filed a writ against the Minister for the Environment last year after she had her application for the post of Government vet turned down because she failed an exam.

But this week a judge ruled that the Department of the Environment must set up a Veterinary Committee by the end of the month to hear Dr. Smith's application.

And Acting Puisne Judge Geoffrey Bell also ordered that Government foot the bill for Dr. Smith's legal costs.

Dr. Smith -- who holds a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Alabama's Tuskagee University -- was hired on contract in 1994 by Personnel Services as Government's Veterinarian Trainee.

But in April, 1997 she was released after failing to pass the American National Board Exam on three occasions.

This week, an Environment Ministry boss denied that the court ruling was a slap in the face for the Government.

Acting Permanent Secretary Chris Farrow said that it did not represent a climbdown for the Government because the case had now been dropped.

But when it was pointed out that the proceedings had only been dismissed on the understanding that Government will now consider her application, Mr.

Farrow said: "I cannot comment on the case -- that is something I will have to look into''.

Meanwhile Dr. Smith's lawyer, Delroy Duncan, was insistent that the decision was a massive victory for his client. And he said that, if the committee fails to provide Dr. Smith with a certificate to practise when it does meet, the whole case will end up back in court.

"This means that the Government has finally agreed to do what we've been asking for the last 18 months,'' Mr. Duncan said.

"But if they don't grant us a licence we are going straight back to court.

They might say it's not a climbdown but if that's the case why have they consented to pay for my client's legal fees?'' Mr. Duncan would not disclose what his final bill will be.