The appointment of a non-Bermudian chairman of a powerful Government board was yesterday defended by Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb.

Ms Webb's decision to appoint US national Ellen Lim to head the Telecommunications Commission sparked an outcry from the Opposition UBP.

But yesterday Ms Webb said she had approached three Bermudians -- two already with Commission experience -- but all had turned down the chairmanship for various reasons.

Ms Webb added: "I'm extremely pleased that someone of Ellen Lim's calibre and knowledge of telecommunications from an international business perspective, as well as knowledge of issues countries face with respect to deregulation and the end of monopolies, can serve on the board.'' And she said: "As far as I'm concerned, putting Bermudians first means getting the best for Bermudians.

"The Telecommunications Commission is a very highly specialised area and we're at a crucial stage -- we have to hit the ground running in respect of the changes required.'' Ms Webb -- who was off the Island when the row broke out -- was speaking after Shadow Environment Minister Gary Pitman accused Government of hypocrisy in putting Exel chief information officer Ms Lim in as chairman over Bermudians.

Mr. Pitman also compared PLP MP Derrick Burgess' outcry over Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox's decision to continue to hire overseas Police officers in certain circumstances with his silence over Ms Lim's appointment.

He added that the Telecommunications Commission was one of the most important Government advisory boards as Government moves from monopoly to competition in a bid to lower the cost of calls and protect the Island's role as a major offshore jurisdiction.

But Ms Webb said: "I did try to get a Bermudian -- I discussed the situation with Ms Lim because she was going to be deputy chairman.

"She was honoured to accept -- with the proviso she identified a Bermudian who would be willing to serve as chairman.'' Ms Webb added that, at the first meeting of the Commission, Ms Lim asked members if any had a problem with her as chairman -- and none did.

And she said that none of the established or new players in the telecommunications field had complained, either.

Ms Webb insisted: "The moment one of the current Commissioners steps up to the wicket, then Ellen will be happy to step down.

"But it's a very controversial area at the moment with court cases going on and we need a chairman who can bite the bullet and get on with the job.'' Ms Webb said: "The United Bermuda Party are in Opposition and they need something to pick at. But putting Ellen Lim in that position is putting Bermudians first because they will get the best coming out of the Commission.'' Telecommunications under the previous Government was a hot issue -- and is likely to remain so.

The old UBP administration clashed with Cable & Wireless over the introduction of competition in the long-distance calls market.

But Bermuda needs to stay on top of international trends towards deregulation and cheaper services to keep international business anchored on the Island.