about two hours after staff downed tools to protest work conditions.

Three Customs officers, members of the Bermuda Public Service Association working in the courier section, stopped work due to frustration at the lack of progress being made in building a better facility, said Collector of Customs Gerry Ardis.

"We've been trying for a long time to get a purpose built facility out there, a better building with better conditions,'' he said, explaining that the present freights shed is old and dirty.

"I'm concerned with what's happened out there. I have a responsibility to make sure the goods go through, but I also have a responsibility to my troops.

I can tell you I have sympathy for them. They've been waiting a long time for a better building,'' said Mr. Ardis. "I can tell you I'm frustrated, too.'' The work stoppage affected only the courier section of the Airport operations, he added.