unfairly demoted.

Chief Insp. Larry Smith was promoted to Superintendent last November but after six months his promotion failed to be confirmed.

He has now issued a writ against Police Commissioner, Mr. Colin Coxall, claiming wrongful dismissal from the rank of Superintendent, as well as damages.

Last night, Chf. Insp. Smith declined to comment but his lawyer Mr. Julian Hall, said the matter "flouted natural justice'' and was presented to his client as a fait accomplis.

Six months after promotions are made they are either confirmed or quashed by the Public Service Commission which takes into account recommendations by the Commissioner.

In May, Chf. Insp. Smith received a letter from Mr.

Coxall telling him the PSC had decided not to confirm the promotion. Before the letter arrived, concerns were raised by Mr.

Coxall and the Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Michael Mylod, about specific incidents alleged against Chf. Insp. Smith.

However, Mr. Hall claimed his client never had the opportunity to face the PSC to answer the allegations which were unproven in court or by a Police disciplinary body.

Chf. Insp. Smith was also an outspoken critic of the decision to hire two overseas officers to head the Bermuda force.

"I don't think we need someone to come here and tell us how to suck eggs,'' he said.

The writ says that it was Chf. Insp. Smith's right to have a chance to be told of any concerns and respond to any criticism which could affect the promotion prospects.

It says Chf. Insp. Smith was not granted an interview with the PSC to counter any criticism and as a result the Contract of Employment was breached and he was wrongfully dismissed from the rank of Superintendent.

"Mr. Smith is claiming that effectively he has never ceased legally to be a Superintendent. The demotion was presented as a fait accomplis and flouted natural justice,'' said Mr. Hall.

Last night, Mr. Coxall said: "This matter is being dealt with by the Attorney General's chambers, therefore I cannot make any comment.'' BULL'S HEAD PARKING LOT OPNES GVT Bull's Head parking lot opens An idea to reduce Hamilton's parking woes became reality yesterday with the opening of the brand new multi-storey car park at Bull's Head.

Mayor of Hamilton the Rt. Wor. William Boyle told the crowd, which gathered for the opening, that the new building could take over 700 cars which represented 50 percent of the cars parking in Hamilton during a normal week day.

He added that this coupled with the city's new parking voucher scheme would help free up much needed parking space in the centre of Hamilton.

Mr. Boyle also expressed his sadness over Mr. Frederick (Teddy) Sewell who lost his life during the building's construction when the crane he was working in toppled over.

He said there would be a private ceremony for his family later in the day when the Corporation would unveil a plaque in his memory.

He thanked all the people who helped make the car park a reality including members of Parliament, the Woodbourne Association, Sea Land Construction, the sub-contractors and the bond holders who helped raise the money needed for the project.

Use of the car park will be free for the remainder of the week but as of next Monday the charge will be $2.50 for the day.