The Island's only non-Bermudian Government Board chairman yesterday defended her appointment.

And Ellen Lim -- chief information officer at insurance giants Exel -- said critics did not appear to understand what her new role as Telecommunications Commission chairman was.

Malaysian-born US citizen Ms Lim said: "The chairman in my perspective, and within the perspective of the rest of the Commission, and we have discussed this, is a facilitator.

"The chairman, like any other member, only has one vote -- I'm not clear as to the distinction between the chairmanship in relation to non-Bermudian or Bermudian status.'' Ms Lim spoke out after UBP MP Gary Pitman slammed the new PLP Government and Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb for choosing a non-Bermudian to head a crucial Commission.

Mr. Pitman attacked the PLP for failing to live up to its own policy of "Bermudians first''.

And he said previous UBP Governments had never had a non-Bermudian board chairman -- although some members had not held Bermudian status.

And he added that the Telecommunications Commission would be one of the most important Government advisory boards as the Island moves from a monopoly set-up to a competitive one.

Mr. Pitman also compared PLP MP Derrick Burgess' outcry over Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox's to continue to hire overseas Police in some circumstances with his silence over Ms Lim's appointment.

Ms Webb is off the Island until later this month and could not be contacted for comment at the weekend.

But Ms Lim said the role of the Commission chairman was to organise meetings and to make sure relevant issues are on the table for discussion by members.

And she insisted her contribution would not be weighted compared to other members.

Ms Lim pointed out: "I can bring to the Commission the same level of commitment and level of dedication as all the other members.'' She added the Commission appointments were designed to reflect the views of interested parties.

Ms Lim said: "I can bring the perspective of international business and what they are looking for in communications' services. Members were selected because they represent interest groups out there. We arrive at our decisions by looking at all these views in totality.'' Ms Lim -- also heavily involved in Exel's schools' programme -- added: "I consider it a tremendous honour to be asked by the Minister of Telecommunications to serve on the board and to serve as chairman.

"I consider it a contribution on my part to the community interest and to the interests of the Country.'' And she said: "I really don't take this personally. Mr. Pitman has raised an issue and he has a right to raise it -- I absolutely understand his position.'' Telecommunications is likely to remain a hot issue -- the previous Government clashed with Cable & Wireless over the introduction of competition in the long-distance calls' market.

And Bermuda needs to stay on top of the communications' revolution to preserve its position as a top offshore jurisdiction.

GOVERNMENT GVT