Bermudianisation policy -- saying no Bermudian is being lined up to take over the top Customs post.

Gerry Ardis is to retire later this year as Collector of Customs and Government is to invite applications for the job from both the private and public sectors.

But NLP chairman Charles Jeffers said: "It appears that once again, as in so many other cases, there is no heir apparent or a short list of Customs officers from whom to choose a successor.

"This is evidenced by the call for senior managers in both the public and private sectors to apply for the position. The NLP calls into question the sincerity of the Bermudianisation policy.

"The public is tired of the old, worn-out and lame excuse that Bermudians are either not qualified or lack the necessary experience,'' he said. "The time to prepare for the changing of the guard is long before the old guard prepares to go. We will watch with great interest to see how the new Collector of Customs picture develops.'' Finance Minister Grant Gibbons said choosing a successor to Mr. Ardis was not a political issue.

"It will follow the standard course and the Public Service Commission will advertise and it will look at the candidates.'' He added: "There are a number of people working in Customs right now who may be interested and we would hope to get as many Bermudians in the service as possible.

"Our first priority is to find a Bermudian for whatever position within the civil service.''