Minister of E-commerce and Telecommunications, Renee Webb is keeping an optimistic outlook on the ability of the Ministry to attract suitable, qualified Bermudians into two top posts which have arisen.

A director of e-commerce and a director of telecommunications are being sought with salaries in the $100,000 region. Recognising that suitable applicants for both positions will already be in high demand, Ms Webb admitted that the salaries may not be attractive enough to lure those in the field, away from the private sector.

"Some people say that, and it is that way sometimes in Government where sometimes our pay scales are competitive and then sometimes they are considered not to be,'' she said.

Noting that those qualified to assume the e-commerce post need not have a background in the area, Ms Webb pointed out that they would have to have business and information technology experience.

"There is really no reason why we shouldn't be able to find someone locally to fill the director of e-commerce position,'' she said.

"We would require someone with a strong business background and information technology. Someone who is adaptable and can shape our e-commerce.

"Anyone in information technology is already in demand and many are setting up e-commerce companies already.

"In fact part of the problem is that that area is expanding rapidly and with that comes a certain expectation in terms of salary.'' Asked where Government would get money to fund the new posts, Ms Webb pointed out that the department of e-commerce was created last year.

"There will be budget considerations for the department,'' she said.

"It was created last year and the work it is expected to carry out is very important to our efforts to attract e-commerce business,'' she continued.

Marketing and business development are other functions that will fall under the department.

"Right now we do a lot of joint projects with BIBA,'' she noted, "and we look to not only establish ourselves as an offshore e-commerce market but also begin an e-Government initiative.'' With the retirement of telecommunications inspector Ted Pitman, Ms Webb said the position was reviewed and a decision made to upgrade it to director.

"Mr. Pitman headed that area for close to 30 years but the expertise required now has greatly expanded,'' she said.

"The market is now much more competitive and the post will require someone with a broad understanding not just of the industry but of what is required locally -- how to cope with the challenges and players we have here.

"And I believe we may have more regulating issues here than elsewhere.'' Interested applicants have until January 26 to apply for the two posts.

BUSINESS BUC