Bermuda's top civil servant yesterday said Mr. Warren Jones had been dealt an "injustice'' in not being named principal of Northlands Secondary School.

But Cabinet Secretary Mr. Leo Mills told a delegation of the Association of School Principals that he was not in a position to alter the decision taken by the Public Service Commission.

Mr. Mills made the statement on the steps of the Cabinet Office as the Association presented him with a letter asking him to investigate the matter and "right this injustice.'' The Association's protest was carried on at a rally in Victoria Park last night where speakers said Mr. Jones was qualified to be named principal of Northlands, which is to become a middle school next year.

Mr. Nelson Bascome, Progressive Labour Party MP, said Mr. Jones was one of two people on the Island who was certified in middle school education.

"To Bermuda as a whole it's a slap in the face,'' Mr. Bascome told a crowd of more than 300.

PLP Sen. Terry Lister said: "Mr. Jones is fully qualified. Bermuda needs the right kind of role models for our young children and Warren Jones is certainly that.'' The Association's protest earlier in the day put it at odds with Education permanent secretary Dr. Marion Robinson, who has maintained Mr. Jones name was forwarded to the Public Service Commission (PSC) for consideration as a principal.

The Association accused Dr. Robinson of failing to recommend Mr. Jones as a candidate for principal of Northlands, where he has served as acting principal for three years.

On Thursday, the Education Ministry announced Mrs. Carol Bassett would be principal of Northlands Secondary. The announcement followed on the heels of teacher/student protests demanding Mr. Jones for the post.

Mr. Mills said that he was not in a position to influence or reverse decisions by the PSC which is an independent body.

"I don't want you to think it either practical or possible (for me) to right this injustice,'' he told a delegation from the Association.

He said he would bring the letter to the attention of Dr. Robinson.

Neither PTA spokesman, Mr. Melvyn Bassett nor Dr. Robinson would comment on the contents of the letter.

At last night's rally, Mr. Walton Brown Jr. said that the case of Mr.

Jones was a very clear case of injustice.

"Why was he not given the position of principal when he has clear and well documented qualifications?'' he asked.

Mr. Brown accused the Education Ministry and the PSC of failure. He said the Ministry was at fault for not shortlisting Mr. Jones as a candidate. He said the Commission was at fault for not asking why Mr. Jones name was not on the list even though he had been put forward as a candidate three years ago for the position of acting principal.

Mr. Brown called for a review of the selection process itself and the opening up of PSC decision-making. He said Commission should inform the public of the reasons for its decisions. He also called for the rotation of permanent secretaries.

Dr. Ewart Brown said: "We have to wonder what kind of politicians we have when they have to hide behind the PSC,'' he said. "It is the height of cowardice.'' Just before the end of the rally, protesters took to the streets in a demonstration of support for Mr. Jones. Accompanied by gombey dancers, the protesters waved placards with the words, "Justice for Jones,'' and "Lost Male Role Models. Found Mr. Warren Jones.'' MARCHING FOR JONES -- Over 300 people protested last night against the decision by the Public Service Commission to appoint Mrs. Carol Bassett as principal of Northlands Secondary School over acting principal, Mr. Warren Jones who was the favoured choice of students, parents and teachers at Northlands.