appointment of a US national to head the powerful Telecommunications Commission.

And Ms Gordon -- who also holds the Telecommunications shadow brief -- backed Minister Renee Webb's appointment of Exel executive Ellen Lim to the chairmanship of the Commission.

But Ms Gordon called on Bermudians to come forward to fill key roles -- even if it meant extra work and controversy.

Ms Webb, who has been off the Island, this week explained that three Bermudian picks for the top jobs backed down and Ms Lim -- a communications expert -- was prepared to step into the breach.

And she said Ms Lim -- originally pencilled in for vice-chairman -- had taken the job on the condition she would identify a Bermudian board member to take her place at the top of the table.

Ms Gordon said: "I take the point the Minister has made and I will support her position on this.

"When we were the Government, we had a major difficulty trying to find a chairman for the Telecommunications Commission.'' A row broke out after Shadow Environment Minister Gary Pitman branded the PLP Government hypocrites for appointing an outsider to a crucial board.

And he contrasted the stance taken by BIU leader and PLP backbencher Derrick Burgess when he criticised law and order Minister Paula Cox after she said overseas Police officers would still be employed in Bermuda in certain circumstances with his silence over the appointment of Ms Lim.

But Ms Gordon said: "Knowing that the Minister made every effort to try and find a Bermudian where none were available, we fully support Ms Lim, who has graciously offered her assistance.'' She added she would "encourage'' Bermudians to serve their Country on Government Boards and take chairmanships, even if it meant being thrust into the public eye over unpopular decisions.

Ms Gordon said: "It's very much appreciated when Bermudians can find the time to serve.

"Anyone interested in serving in such a capacity should not shy away from the chairmanships of these boards because it's not only a major contribution to the wellbeing of Bermuda, but an encouragement for other Bermudians if they do decide to serve.'' Gordon suggests compromise in rates row: Page 2 GOVERNMENT GVT