of a non-Bermudian woman as one of six new recruits.

Unionised Customs agents are understood to be up in arms because the woman, married to a Bermudian, was chosen over hundreds of Bermudians fighting for just six available jobs.

"She starts work on Monday,'' Mr. Ardis said.

The Collector of Customs pointed out that under a new Bermuda immigration law, spouses of Bermudians must be treated exactly the same as born Bermudians.

In addition, Customs had fully complied with the hiring procedures of the BPSA and the Department of Personnel Services and had been in full consultation with Immigration.

He added: "She was chosen on merit as a recruit trainee. She was certainly at the very top (of the few hundred applicants).'' Good educational background and aptitude to be a good customs agent were part of the selection process, he said.

Meanwhile, disgruntled unionised Customs agents met last night at the Bermuda Public Services Association headquarters to thrash out concerns over the hiring of the woman.

BPSA secretary Mr. Eugene Blakeney, who attended the meeting, had no comment last night.

Customs Division official Ms Terry Burgess also declined to comment.