Bermuda following the expected resignation of the Minister of Management and Technology.

Sir John will take over the Base transition and the telecommunications portfolios until a Minister is appointed.

But it is likely that Dr. Grant Gibbons, who resigned yesterday, will get the job back in two weeks time if he wins the Paget East by-election, being held because of the death of the Hon. John Stubbs.

Dr. Gibbons has resigned his Cabinet post and from the Senate after his victory in Tuesday's UBP primary in Paget East.

Dr. Gibbons announced his resignation in a letter to the Premier, and he expects to receive his formal nomination to fight the Paget East seat.

He said: "It is just a technical requirement. Effectively I have to resign for two weeks to fight the election.

"And if I am fortunate enough to be elected to the Paget East seat, I hope that the Premier will look favourably at restoring me to the bases transition and telecommunications portfolios.'' The ongoing discussions of how Bermuda will deal with the closures of the US and UK bases and the debate into the Island's telecommunications "monopoly'' will be presided over by the Premier during the two weeks.

Dr. Gibbons said: "There are a number of things underway and the Premier is more than capable of dealing with anything that may arise over the next two weeks.'' The Premier was unavailable for comment last night, but he expressed his appreciation of Dr. Gibbons work in a letter formerly accepting the resignation.

It is not clear whether the UBP has chosen a successor for Dr. Gibbons on Senate.