to be lawyers.

The July amendment to the Supreme Court Act of 1905 means that Bermudians can now complete their training on the island.

It means that they do not have to go to England to take part in an almost impossible scramble for jobs.

Already three Bermudians have taken advantage of the amendment and can now practice as barristers and attorneys.

Mr. Rod Attride-Stirling and Ms Christina Hoskins of Conyers, Dill and Pearman and Mrs. Toneson Amissah-Furbert of Appleby, Spurling and Kempe, were called to the bar on Friday.

All three were able to finish their practical training in Bermuda. Others in the past had to find places in England.

Mr. Attride-Stirling said that, before July, solicitors were not able to do their practical training, or articles, in Bermuda.

He said: "The act was basically outdated and the amendment meant we could do our practical work in Bermuda. We are the first beneficiaries.

"It is very good news for Bermudians because right now in London, unemployment being what it is, it is impossible for Bermudians to get a job.'' Mr. Attrice-Stirling said that there had been examples of Bermudians trying for jobs which had up to 300 applicants. He said: "And 299 of those did not require work permits.

"It was a Catch 22 situation because we could not do our articles in Bermuda but we could not complete them in England because we required a work permit.'' Ms Hoskins was the first beneficiary of the new amendment being the first to be called to the bar.

All three were educated in Bermuda before having to travel to England for university studies.

NEW LEGAL TRIO -- Ms Christina Hoskins (left), Mr. Rod Attride-Stirling and Mrs. Toneson Amissah-Furbert after being called to the bar, outside the Supreme Court.