The Bermuda Hospitals Board has identified the man it wants for the post of Chief Executive Officer.

Hospitals Board chairman Raymonde Dill revealed yesterday that the Board is negotiating pay and other terms of employment with its first choice candidate.

"We are hopeful that within the next few days we will have a signed contract.'' he said. "Certainly he (the applicant) is very keen to come on board and start working, he is keen too to develop a succession plan and he has an impressive track record and confidence.'' But even if agreement between the two parties is reached by the end of the week, it could still be a long wait before he is named as Immigration needs to approve his work permit.

Three foreigners, a Jamaican and two Canadians, were the contenders for the hospital's top job.

Mr. Dill said revealing the nationality of the board's first choice "would be tantamount to saying who he is.''