this season's hurricanes.

The Bermuda, Caribbean and Latin America Regional Office of Cable & Wireless has started a fund which will provide more than US$750,000 to storm-ravaged communities.

Additional donations will come from fund-raising ventures by C & W employees.

"As communities struck by the hurricanes strive to recover and rebuild, Cable & Wireless will provide as much support as possible,'' said Mr. Geoff Wiggin, C & W regional director.

He said C & W's ability to maintain service during hurricanes, and other extreme conditions, was down to its telecommunications.

More than US$1,000 million had been pumped into it over the past five years.

"Taking a responsible and proactive role as part of the local community is very much a part of the Cable & Wireless approach,'' said Mr. Wiggin.

"Many of our properties were damaged during the recent hurricanes and a number of employees' homes were lost.

"We appreciate at first hand the scale of the destruction and the challenge of recovery.

"The fund will enable us to provide direct assistance to areas of need. It will also be an opportunity for employees not directly affected to show their support for those have been less fortunate.'' Mr. Wiggin said the fund would be managed by representatives from C & W xYbusinesses and associate companies from Bermuda and the Caribbean.