unit in mid-September, it was revealed yesterday.

Ms Graham, believed to be the first woman general manager in C&W's worldwide network, has guided the Bermuda operations for the past three years and her departure was announced as Government attempts to open up the telecommunications sector to competition.

C&W is now the only provider of international telecommunications services in Bermuda but Government has offered a telecommunications licence to TeleBermuda, proposing to compete with C&W.

"Cable & Wireless faces many challenges as the company enters a competitive environment in the field of Bermuda's international telecommunications,'' said Ms Graham in C&W's latest CustomerContact newsletter. "Nevertheless, we are ready to meet these challenges.'' To open up the international long distance market to competition, TeleBermuda International Ltd., the company proposing to build an undersea fibre optic telecommunications cable spur connecting Bermuda to the US, has been offered a telecommunications licence.

C&W has so far failed to receive Government approval to spend money on its own proposed telecommunications cable to North America.

Originally from Scotland, Ms Graham has not publicly revealed details of her future plans, only saying she will be taking up another post.

C&W spokesperson John Instone said Ms Graham came to Bermuda from the company's London office.

Ms Graham replaced David Escott, who also served as general manager for a three year term. Mr. Escott continues with C&W at the company's regional headquarters in Cayman Islands.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my three year term as general manager of Cable & Wireless in Bermuda and the many lasting friendships I have made,'' she said.

Her replacement will be John Tibbles, subject to Government approval, who worked for the company in Bermuda between 1983 and 1991.

C&W, with operations in 50 countries, has had a presence in Bermuda for over 100 years and currently employs 123 people, of whom 120 are Bermudian.

C&W currently provides international service to Bermuda via a cable linked to the PTAT cable which connects North America with Europe.

Almost three years ago, C&W entered talks with Teleglobe Canada Inc. on building a spur to the CANUS-1 cable running between Nova Scotia and New Jersey. But time is running out on Teleglobe's option with AT&T Submarine Systems Inc.