14 months before a Bermudian candidate takes over was yesterday questioned by Shadow Home Affairs Minister Michael Dunkley.

And Mr. Dunkley challenged Government to reveal if the deal to keep Dr. Peters and later give US-based Dr. Larita Alford the job was setting a precedent for other bodies employing work permit holders.

Mr. Dunkley said: "Without discussing the decision-making process and its result, I would like to know if all employers, not just the Bermuda College and the Government of Bermuda, will be allowed this type of arrangement.

"In my opinion, this is a precedent-setting arrangement allowing an employer the ability to extend and maintain the non-Bermudian employee when there is a qualified Bermudian applicant.

"In this case the Bermudian will not be hired for another fourteen months.'' And he asked Government to "explain in more detail this arrangement and also clarify if this option is open to all.'' Mr. Dunkley added: "I don't think all the information in this situation has been made public.

"I find it a bit curious that, with a permit expiring, they asked for applications to see if Bermudians were qualified, which they received.

"They obviously have decided that Dr. Alford is qualified -- but it seems strange that, if Dr. Peters' permit was due to expire, they were taking applications, then saying they would take this Bermudian on board in a year's time.'' But last night Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox said the deal had not yet been discussed by the Immigration Board or at Ministerial level.

And she declined to second-guess what view the Board might take of the Bermuda College Board's proposal when it was considered.

But it is understood that the Immigration Board could refuse to back the plan.

Ms Cox said: "This isn't a decision which has been shaped by us at all. It's not an issue into which we've had any input.

"And, in terms of setting a precedent, it isn't for the Immigration department because we've not been consulted on this.

"So clearly, there hasn't been any change in immigration policy -- Mr.

Dunkley may want to enter into a dialogue with the Bermuda College Board on this.'' She added: "If it was an immigration matter, we would want to know if there was a suitably-qualified Bermudian able and willing to take up the job.

"It would be misleading for Mr. Dunkley or anyone else was to take the position that this was sanctioned and went through the Immigration Department.

"If it's put before the Immigration Board, they will give it due consideration and the Minister will give the Immigration Board's views due consideration.''