Union leader Derrick Burgess has called for soon to retire Deputy Commissioner Harold Moniz to be reinstated.

And Mr. Burgess launched a stinging attack on Governor Thorold Masefield and Commissioner Jean Jacques Lemay in their handling of the situation.

He claimed it was an attempt to rid Bermudians from top positions within the force, so when the time came for appointing a new Commissioner, there would be no Bermudians available.

"Bermudians should be outraged at the forced retirement of Harold Moniz, a man who has served the Country for over 40 years,'' he said.

"It would appear that the Commissioner and his consultant are advising the Governor to get rid of born Bermudians -- Mr. Moniz doesn't want to resign, he has a lot to offer this Country.'' But Deputy Governor Tim Gurney rubbished the BIU President's comments.

He said: "The idea that we are trying to force out Bermudians is ridiculous, that is not the case.'' He said he couldn't say whether or not Mr. Moniz wanted to retire but the move was part of a plan to open up the senior posts for a number of people to try out for.

Top Bermudian officers are to be given trials in order to establish their credentials for the positions of Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner.

And recently, three Bermudian officers were promoted from Chief Inspector to Superintendant with that in mind.

But Mr. Burgess called on Bermudians to lobby their MPs and call radio talk shows to voice their concerns over the issue.

Although he admitted he had not spoken to Mr. Moniz directly, he was sure that he did not want to go.

"His resignation when the Police are down on numbers makes no sense at all.

"I would appeal to all Bermudians to have him reinstated because we surely need him.''