licences should hit a Government Minister's desk on Saturday.

Management and Technology Minister the Hon. Grant Gibbons' ruling on the licence bids hinges on this information.

This summer Dr. Gibbons received a Telecommunications Commission report on companies' applications.

On two of them, Dr. Gibbons accepted the commission's recommendations they be approved.

On the other nine, he stated he needed further information before making a decision.

He gave the commission 60 days to provide the necessary information, which relates, among other things, to costs.

"I believe they are supposed to come back to me on October 15, this Saturday,'' he added.

Meanwhile, one of the applicants recommended by the commission for rejection has taken out a full-page Royal Gazette advertisement to argue its case for breaking into the telecommunications market.

Mr. Jeffrey Conyers, a potential shareholder with TeleBermuda International Ltd., said the ad was intended to highlight the importance of competition in telecommunications.

"We want people to be aware of the importance of the issue to Bermuda,'' he said.

The ad -- headed "True Competition In Telecommunications Services Is Vital To Bermuda's Future Growth'' -- said the need to maintain an international competitive edge was critical, given the ongoing struggle of the tourism industry, and the looming departure of the US Navy.

"In today's information age, a stable international business base depends on a choice of cost effective, reliable and secure telecommunications services of the highest standards.

"These businesses are well aware that where there is competition in the telecommunications industry their own success is more likely to prevail. Under a telecommunication's's monopoly, lack of choice means loss of that security and higher costs.'' The ad outlines TeleBermuda's proposal to invest $80 million in "undersea cable facilities'', and boost job opportunities for the Island.

It also stresses the company's resolve to cut prices.

SHOPLIFTER FINED $100 CTS Shoplifter fined $100 Karen Deborah Taylor told Magistrates' Court yesterday she was mystified why she went on a shoplifting spree.

"I am seeking counselling to find out why I did it,'' she said to Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis.

Taylor, 40, of Happy Valley Road, Pembroke, was fined $100 after admitting taking goods worth $67.95 from the Phoenix Centre in Reid Street.

Prosecutor Insp. Peter Duffy said the offence was committed on October 1.

Police officers were alerted after a security guard had spotted Taylor putting items in her purse.

When Taylor went to the cashier, she only paid for the goods in her hand.

Insp. Duffy said Taylor was challenged by the security guard when she left the store.

She admitted stealing the items, even though she had $150 on her, added Insp.

Duffy.

The Hon. Grant Gibbons