A row over the Stonington Beach Hotel has been defused after Government MP Ottiwell Simmons apologised for a statement he made about the centre.

Mr. Simmons was prompted to make the apology after he was contacted by Stonington general manager Esan Frederick.

Mr. Frederick and his staff were upset by the comments made last week when Mr.

Simmons said the hotel had "lost its way'' as a training centre for young Bermudians entering the hospitality trade.

He said it was his intention as chairman of the National Training Board to get it back on track.

And he stressed that its original role was to train would-be managers and hotel staff, and it would be their aim to re-establish the South Shore base as a successful centre again.

In a statement, Mr. Simmons said: "Last week I stated that the Stonington had lost its way with respect to its training programme. I also stated that, therefore, we have a failed training programme and a failed hotel.

"I have reason to believe that the management and staff have been offended by the latter part of my statement. There was no intention to offend or to demoralise the staff or its administration.

"I therefore hasten to apologise to the manager and staff of the hotel.'' The Pembroke East MP added that the NTB had a responsibility to ensure training programmes were carried out and yielded results that benefited all Bermudians.

"It is my intention to pursue the aims and objectives of the NTB with vigor and dedication,'' he said.

Mr. Frederick said he wanted to thank Mr. Simmons on behalf of all the hotel staff and management for reconsidering his statement and he said he accepted his apology.

TOURISM TOU