The author of an Internet site making allegations of fraud against Bermuda-based Exel chief information officer Ellen Lim has made a public apology on the Web.

Ms Lim is also chair of the Telecommunications Commission.

US-based Peter Lerman, who bought Lim's Connecticut-based business Field Technology, Inc. in April 1994, created an Internet site last year solely devoted to criticising her appearance and business dealings. He also published his writ filed in New York State accusing her of misrepresenting the financial affairs of the computer retail operation.

The Internet site was widely talked about by business people in Bermuda. Even as of last week, someone anonymously dropped off a package to The Royal Gazette with printouts from the Web site. However, the person had not checked the Internet site recently in which Mr. Lerman declares he was wrong.

"Previously appearing at this web-site were a series of derogatory statements and personal attacks by me against Ellen Lim which were prompted by differences between us regarding personal dealings that had no place in the public forum,'' Mr. Lerman stated. "I now recognise that it was harmful and wrong for me to have lashed out publicly against Ms Lim and I therefore wish to take this opportunity to apologise to Ms Lim and to the readers of this web-site: First for any misimpressions I may have conveyed concerning the character or professional reputation of Ms Lim, and second, for my personal remarks concerning Ms Lim, which were uncalled for regardless of our differences. Please accept my apology for this web-site and its contents.''