four-week intensive training session to prepare them with "essential skills and knowledge to assist the public''.

Collector of Customs Mr. Gerry Ardis said the course did not place any extra emphasis on public relations skills in light of the recent slew of complaints from visitors and Bermudians concerning the way they were treated by Customs and Immigration officers.

"Training our officers to be sensitive to arriving passengers has always been part of our policy,'' Mr. Ardis said. "No greater emphasis was placed on it during this course.'' Mr. Ardis said the course was one of several the new recruits will take part in during their two-year training.

The new officers are Ms Wanda Burgess, Ms Lynn B. Perry, Ms Jolene Weeks, Mr.

Gary Bremar, Mr. Carlton White, Mr. Michael Trott and Mr. Edward Lambert.

READY FOR DUTY -- Collector of Customs, centre, poses with new Customs officers and senior officers this week.