candidates for Civil Service jobs, it was revealed yesterday.

Public Service Commission secretary Judith Hall-Bean said: "We have changed a number of regulations to further uphold its policy of Bermudianisation while at the same time securing the best people for positions in the Civil Service.'' The changes mean the Commission will look at the applications of all Bermudians to determine suitable candidates for all Civil Service positions.

There will now be three categories -- Category A (all Bermudians), B, non-Bermudian spouses of Bermudians and C, any other non-Bermudians.

The amended regulations also insist that all non-Bermudian Civil Servants be on three-year contracts and cannot be given permanent positions.

The Commission will also be able to recommend candidates for other vacant positions without advertising the jobs and will be able to appoint people to jobs without advertising in some cases.

Mrs. Hall-Bean added: "These amendments are the first in a series which are designed to ensure that the Commission conducts its business in an efficient manner.'' The move follows a major row earlier this year after internationally-famed Bermudian opera singer Gary Burgess failed even to get an interview for the job of cultural affairs officer with Government.

Mr. Burgess, a Doctor of Musical Arts, Professor of Voice and Opera at Buffalo University, New York, and founder/director of the Greater Buffalo Opera Company, was not short-listed for the job.

Instead, the job went to Civil Service employee Heather Wilson, a history teacher.

A Government spokesman later said that people already in public service took precedence over outsiders.

But Mrs. Hall-Bean said the Commission's change of heart was not prompted by the uproar.

She said: "The regulations have been in train for a number of years, so it had nothing to do with Mr. Burgess -- although that is one of the cases which would be affected by the change.''