Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb's candid admission that she has urged Cable and Wireless to hire people "who look like'' her has drawn heavy fire from the Opposition.

Ms Webb, speaking on VSB's "Night Talk'' last week, was asked to confirm reports she had insisted that long-distance provider Cable and Wireless find black-owned enterprises to partner with in its bid to resurrect Quantum.

The Minister responded by telling the show's hosts, Ashfield DeVent and Ceola Wilson that she had encouraged the company to seek business partners "who look like'' her.

Asked whether that meant women or blacks, she said it could be both.

"This is a sad day for Bermuda because it reeks of all kinds of negative connotations,'' said Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon.

Ms Gordon said Ms Webb, in articulating a policy of economic empowerment for the Island's blacks, was not only usurping the role of the Minister of Development and Opportunity but was dangerously close to violating Bermuda's Constitution and human rights legislation.

"What the Minister is recommending is discriminatory,'' said Ms Gordon.

"There is a difference between a well-thought-out policy for empowering people that have been disadvantaged economically in the past versus a minister of government sanctioning blatant discrimination.

"And it will not surprise me if the Government finds itself in court over this.'' Gordon, Webb spar over comments Ms Gordon accused Government of "playing political games'' with the issue of black empowerment, adding: "Government created legislation to empower CURE and it should be through that mechanism as well as the Minister of Development and Opportunity to articulate a plan that shows how he intends to empower those who have been so disadvantaged -- not the Minister of Telecommunications to usurp his authority and for her to make a statement that is inflammatory at best.'' Cable and Wireless offered no comment.

Ms Webb told VSB News yesterday that she was "taken aback'' by the salvo from Ms Gordon.

She added Island banks were moving away from the practices of the past and also removing the appearance of discrimination.

Quantum, which has been up for sale for two years now, represents Bermuda's only hope for competition in the local phone service market -- a goal supported by Ms Webb.

BUSINESS BUC DISCRIMINATION DIS