Telecommunications Commission has been slammed by an Opposition MP.

Gary Pitman -- Shadow Environment Minister -- said: "I was a bit shocked at that particular appointment and at the PLP Government -- especially Ms Webb, who's always going on about Bermudianisation -- giving a chairmanship to a non-Bermudian.

"It's in complete conflict with the PLP Government's stance that they have a policy of Bermudians first. These boards are adjudicating on Bermudian companies.'' Mr. Pitman said: "This is an extremely important board as we're moving from a monopoly into a competitive situation.

"Under a United Bermuda Party Government, there's never been a non-Bermudian chairman of a board, although we had non-Bermudian members.'' Mr. Pitman spoke out in the wake of new Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb's decision to appoint US citizen and insurance giant Exel's insurance executive Ellen Lim to the post of chairman.

And Mr. Pitman said: "I wonder if Ms Webb feels a Bermudian isn't capable of chairing such a board?'' He added the decision was in stark contrast to a clash between Bermuda Industrial Union leader and PLP MP Derrick Burgess and Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox over the use of overseas Police officers to bolster Bermuda's thin blue line.

Mr. Pitman said: "Mr. Burgess has spoken out against the Minister for bringing in non-Bermudian Police -- but he's said nothing about this appointment.'' He added that he had no problem with Ms Lim -- chief information officer with Exel -- serving Bermuda in a public appointment.

Mr. Pitman stressed he did not question her ability or qualifications to do the job and praised her willingness to contribute to the community.

Mr. Pitman said: "She could still be a member of the Commission -- but not the chairman.'' Ms Lim is a US national, although she has a UK background. She said on Friday: "I wouldn't have any comment right now -- but I would be happy to speak to Mr. Pitman.'' Telecommunications has been a hot issue on the Island for some time, with the previous Government clashing with Cable & Wireless over the introduction of competition in the phone industry.

The Island also needs to stay on top of the communications revolution to preserve its position as a major offshore jurisdiction.

There have also been problems with overseas telecommunications companies, which complained about the high charges imposed on US phone companies by Bermuda firms.

A reduction from 25 cents per minute to 15 cents a minute was introduced in January. A further cut to ten cents will take place in the summer.

Graphic file name: ELLIM Ellen Lim GOVERNMENT GVT