efficient has begun -- with the shock sacking of her longstanding official chauffeur.

And Carmon Cyrus, who has ferried four former premiers around the Island since being appointed to the post 19 years ago, could now take legal action against the Government for unfair dismissal.

Recent radio reports indicated that Mr. Cyrus had willingly resigned from the post. But yesterday the 72-year-old former bus driver confirmed that he had been told that his services will no longer required.

The axe fell last Friday, just three days after the PLP was swept to power, when Mr. Cyrus was summoned to a meeting with Cabinet Secretary Leo Mills who ordered him to quit at the end of this month.

Speaking from his Southampton Parish home last night Mr. Cyrus said: "I didn't retire -- I was dismissed.

"I was told on Friday by Mr. Mills -- it came as quite a shock.

"I don't want to stop, I was willing to go on. I have my health and, if you ask any of the former Premiers I was never late picking them up or taking them anywhere. I'm just stunned by the decision. I thought something might have happened further down the line but I didn't expect it to be this quick.

"The thing is, when you do a job you do it to the best of your ability and you also expect financial renumeration -- this was a full time job, I didn't have a life of my own. Everyone needs money and this is going to set me back.

"I was always reliable, rain, blow or shine. It inconvenienced me a great deal but I got a lot of satisfaction serving the Premier and I was looking forward to serving the new Premier - this is very upsetting.

"When you've done the job to the best of your ability for 19 years... it's just such a shock.'' Incoming Government sacks longtime Premiers' chauffer Mr. Cyrus confirmed that he did have a contract with the Government but was uncertain as to its terms.

And he refused to be drawn on whether or not he might take the matter further.

"I have nothing to say on that one,'' he said.

Last night Cabinet Secretary Leo Mills confirmed that Mr. Cyrus will no longer be the official chauffeur to the Premier by the end of the month.

But he refused to give any explanation as to why Mr. Cyrus had been forced out.

"You will have to speak to the Premier about that,'' he said.

Last night the Premier could not be contacted to discuss the dismissal.

Carmon Bensley Cyrus