Qualified Bermudians deserve a better shot at key positions in the Civil Service, Shadow Attorney General Kim Wilson told MPs.

But she was warned by Speaker of the House of Assembly Randolph Horton to avoid venturing into criticism of Bermuda’s Governor, who is tasked with appointing people to positions such as Ombudsman, Cabinet Secretary, the Auditor General and the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Progressive Labour Party MP said she wasn’t urging that Bermudians get chosen first without holding the right credentials for the job.

“I recognise the political and constitutional position that Bermuda is in, and the fact that there is...I don’t know whether it’s for fear but we haven’t taken advantage of moving towards a more self-governing country, such as an independent nation,” Ms Wilson said.

She added that qualified Bermudians were being “blocked from advancement into certain positions, not just in the private sector, but the public sector as well.”

But Mr Horton intervened at the suggestion that such blocking took place at the top of the decision chain, telling Ms Wilson: “You can’t, in this place, criticise the Governor.”

Ms Wilson responded by pointing out sections of the Bermuda Constitution for the appointment of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police, as well as members of the judiciary and the DPP.

The power of appointment is vested in Bermuda’s Governor — currently George Fergusson.

“I would invite those that have the power to at least consider the position of both the Premier and the Opposition Leader, the elected representatives of the combined 36 persons who each represent the people of this country,” Ms Wilson said.

“I hope those that have power will consider the important role of elected officials to help guide the decision-making process where suitably qualified Bermudians exist.”