hire Dennis Tucker for the post of president and managing director, Shadow Labour Minister Alex Scott said.

But it is understood that the hotel is looking for a non-Bermudian to head up the post which is currently being advertised.

Mr. Scott said that the PLP was standing behind Mr. Tucker who he described as "eminently qualified'' to take over the top post.

"To be a good corporate citizen in Bermuda means that Sonesta must be responsible not just to their own corporate objectives but also to ensure that they work well in Bermuda,'' Mr. Scott said.

"We think it is good business to have Bermudians whenever possible managing hotels. It would lead to better industrial relations if Bermudians are running our hotels.

"When you have non-Bermudians bought in and placed at the head of these operations such as the Police Service, you see a new culture permeate the property. Sonesta Beach will change its character every time it changes its manager.'' Earlier this year Sonesta boss David Boyd resigned due to ill health. He was an American who was named Sonesta president and managing director in 1989.

During several periods of absence, Mr. Tucker, who is the vice-president and manager of the property, was in charge.

Mr. Boyd, who is in his early 50s, first joined the hotel in the early 1970s, moving on to other properties before returning to Sonesta in 1989.

However Mr. Scott said the PLP will be watching to see who is appointed to head the organisation given a trend at other large properties, such as Marriott Castle Harbour and the Elbow Beach, to hire young foreign managers who need to "learn on the job.'' "We are not getting experienced people,'' he added. "We are getting people who are getting experience on the job while they are here.

"That concerns me because it suggests that these persons are using Bermuda to step up the corporate ladder instead of investing in the Country.'' Nevertheless he said Sonesta had an opportunity to hire the best person for the job in Mr. Tucker who has a good track record.

"We stand behind Mr. Tucker in his candidacy for the position and we have yet to be informed of anything that would suggest that he shouldn't be in the top position.'' The Royal Gazette was unable to confirm whether Mr. Tucker had applied for the post. When contacted he declined to comment.

Sonesta urged to `do the right thing' Mr. Tucker was born in 1947. He has been vice president and general manager of the Sonesta Beach Resort since 1988 after joining in 1976.

In 1961, he started his hotel industry career with the Coral Beach Club.

Between 1964 and 1976 he was employed by Bercot Company Ltd. rising to comptroller.

During his career Mr. Tucker, a former United Bermuda Party Senator, has held many professional, government and community posts.

He is president of the Employer's Council and president elect of the Bermuda Hotel Association. Mr. Tucker who is also a director of the Bank of Bermuda, is married and has one daughter.