senior positions in the Bermuda Police Service continued yesterday in the Upper House.

Opposition Senate Leader Sen. Milton Scott said the move would send "shock waves through the force and the country generally and has the potential to cause divisions''.

But Government immediately rebuffed these comments, with Sen. Larry Scott (UBP) admonished the PLP for "blowing hot, then cold''.

"Just the other day the PLP were arguing that the former Chief Justice should not be president of the Court of Appeal,'' he said. "Now they are complaining about Bermudians being overlooked.'' Sen. Scott said despite appearances, the decision to look overseas for Mr.

Lennett Edwards' and Mr. Alex Forbes' replacements was not a "hiccough in the Bermudianisation process''.

But Sen. Milton Scott said he knew of several officers who had taken the initiative to improve their skills, often at their own expense.

There were enough Bermudians in senior positions with the ability to take over the two most senior posts in the Service, he said.

"I feel sorry for those senior officers who have spent money to improve themselves,'' he said. "They are black, white and Portugese. Some have made great personal sacrifices to upgrade themselves.'' The debate followed Tuesday's announcement that Mr. Edwards will retire on March 1, 1995 after 34 years of service.

Deputy Commissioner Mr. Alex Forbes, was who due to retire this year, has been acting Commissioner in Mr. Edwards' stead and will now retire along with him on March 1.

Government Senate Leader the Hon. Gerald Simons said that while it was understandable there are worries about the decision, there could be no question that Government championed integration.

"Everyone can point to instances where Bermudianisation hasn't worked,'' he said. "I can remember those times when foreigners were preferred.

"But I still believe there is no job being done in Bermuda that a Bermudian cannot do or be taught to do.'' Sen. Simons said if Bermuda was part of the United States or Canada, it would just be a small city.

And no-one would expect the population of such a small city to be able fill every job all of the time.