Bermudian Edmund Tucker has been appointed to the top job in one of the Island's major hotels.

Mr. Tucker, who currently works in the US, has been named as general manager at the Stonington Beach Hotel and will start work on December 1.

Last night he said: "Bermuda is my home. I have been out of the country for 18 years and it is time to go back. I think I can be of some help at the hotel.

"I think I have a host of contacts and established friendships and I feel I can bring some business to the hotel.

"The Stonington is a great little property with its own little market niche and a lot of potential.'' Mr. Tucker's appointment was announced yesterday by Deputy Premier Jerome Dill and Dr. George Cook, President of Bermuda College.

"It is an appointment about which we are very, very excited,'' said Mr. Dill.

He added: "We are particularly proud of Mr. Tucker and particularly pleased to have him back in Bermuda because we recognise that the way to encourage our young people is to demonstrate that people can aspire to the heights.'' Mr. Tucker, 44, graduated from the old Bermuda Hotel College in 1970 and worked on the Island as food and beverage manager at the former Holiday Inn Hotel and as assistant general manager at Cambridge Beaches.

For the past 20 years he has held management positions in a number of hotels in America -- currently as general manager of the Cleveland South Hilton Hotel, in Ohio.

Mr. Tucker holds associate membership in the Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management Association and is qualified as a Certified Hotel Administrator by the Education Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association.

"Now he has come full circle and we are happy to welcome him home,'' said Mr.

Dill.

"During his career he has placed much emphasis on education, training and professional development of employees and we are confident that his background and experience fits him for leadership of the hotel.'' TOURISM TOU