The Bermuda Public Services Association has moved to clarify the position between Ministers and their contact with civil servants.

BPSA general secretary Ed Ball spelt out the protocol and demarcation lines that are supposed to prevent Ministers having direct dealings with workers in their departments.

Speaking after it was revealed that department of tourism staff are unhappy at alleged meddling by Tourism Minister David Allen in their jobs, Mr. Ball said any blurring of the lines could land an elected official in trouble.

"The Constitution doesn't allow any Minister to have any direct dealings with civil servants, bar a permanent secretary or director,'' he said.

"Any allegations that that has been broken will be directed to the Head of the Civil Service Stanley Oliver. Once we get an official complaint from members, we will deal with that matter.'' Mr. Allen is facing troubles after tourism sources claimed he had overstepped the mark, issuing direct orders to staff, preventing professionals completing their tasks and ignoring advice given to him.

Mr. Ball said he had not received any complaint from tourism staff, but said he would be ready to look into it if notified.

Disgruntled staff would initially raise their concerns with their director, and if there was no satisfactory conclusion, he would go to the Head of the Civil Service, and subsequently the BPSA would become involved.

He said a director, or permanent secretary, would liaise with the Minister on broad policy guidelines, directing staff to carry out the policies.

And he added that if a Minister wanted to change anything, he would need to change policy and let his staff implement it.

All civil servants and Ministers are taught the protocol between Government and their staff, he said.

"Everybody who should know, it is part of the orientation process. With a change of Government they should be provided with that information.''