Government reshuffles its boards and commissions next week, The Royal Gazette has learned.

And board appointments will reflect continued efforts to increase representation by women, especially in key positions.

Mr. Cooper, who came under Opposition criticism in the House of Assembly recently as having had "an extraordinarily long tenure'' as Tourism chairman, was off the Island yesterday.

It is understood he will be replaced by hotelier and first-term MP Mr. David Dodwell.

Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge, who yesterday refused to comment on the Tourism Board, is expected to announce that Mr. Cooper asked to be replaced because of other commitments.

In other changes: Mr. Trevor Moniz MP is stepping down as chairman of the Board of Education, to be replaced by a woman who has served on the board previously; and Mr. John Collis will succeed the late the Hon. John Stubbs as Telecommunications Commission chairman.

But Mrs. Jeanette Cannonier is expected to stay on as chairman of the Public Service Commission, at least until new PSC regulations are approved.

Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade has called for her to be replaced.

With Bermuda about to take over control of the Airport from the US Navy, major changes are expected on the Air Advisory Committee and the Air Transport Licensing Board.

And with a more active role planned for the Small Business Development Corporation, change is expected in its board, with more black business people added to the membership.