ousted Government Veterinarian trainee Susann Smith, charging top management had dealt her an unfair hand.

In a faxed statement to The Royal Gazette , the BPSA said staff at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries were behind Dr. Smith, and she had the respect of local veterinarians.

"It is well known Dr. Smith met and surpassed the expectations of her supervisors in the execution of her duties,'' the BPSA said. "And while not officially given the title, she acted as Government Veterinary Officer over the past seven months.'' The BPSA further charged that Department of Agriculture and Fisheries management had blocked her attempts to register as a Bermuda veterinarian practitioner by demanding she pass licence requirements allowing her to practice in the US. Management also denied her requests to pursue additional training.

The BPSA strenuously rejected claims that Dr. Smith had somehow not met the job qualifications, pointing out she was the only veterinarian in Bermuda to be accredited by the US Department of Agriculture.

In addition, Dr. Smith was deliberately denied representation before the Public Service Commission''.