years ago, underwent a second operation to remove another brain tumour yesterday.

"We are still awaiting word from the hospital,'' Acting Cabinet Secretary Mr.

Leo Mills said yesterday. "We are hopeful that everything has gone well.'' Mr. Mills said Mr. Richardson's wife Brenda and his two children had accompanied him to the US for the operation. He said the family had asked that the name of the city not be disclosed.

"They are very grateful for the support and prayers that have been offered on behalf of the family already, and obviously they will need continued moral support,'' Mr. Mills said.

Mr. Richardson, the Island's top-ranking civil servant, was admitted to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital on Saturday for tests, and he was flown to the US on Tuesday.

Mr. Richardson underwent surgery to remove a brain tumour in 1988. He had one kidney removed in 1990 after another tumour was discovered during a routine medical test.

MR. KEN RICHARDSON.