yesterday after a decade in the back-up role.

Sonesta Hotels & Resorts promoted Mr. Tucker, 52, to the position of vice president/managing director at Sonesta Beach Resort where he replaces former managing director Joseph Violi who recently resigned.

Sonesta's executive vice president Jacqueline Sonnabend, who oversees management of the property, said: "We look forward to Dennis leading the resort on behalf of our guests and employees.'' And Mr. Tucker said: "I am very, very excited. I am excited about the opportunity to lead the hotel and I am excited about all the support I have gotten from family, co-workers and the Bermuda public at large.

"Considering the type of support, it has been a very humbling experience.'' He added: "I am also pleased that Sonesta has taken the opportunity and shown the faith in me to make this appointment.'' Ms Sonnabend went directly to Mr. Tucker when Mr. Violi tendered his resignation and offered him the post.

The announcement was made at the hotel yesterday at 1 p.m. and Mr. Tucker said a steady stream of employees had been coming through his office since then to congratulate him.

Tourism Minister David Dodwell said he was delighted by the announcement and highlighted the portrayal of Mr. Tucker as a role model to all young Bermudians in the hotel industry.

He added that he believed the Government/Hotel Owner Committee meetings had played a strong part in helping foreign owned hotels understand the need to enhance and protect Bermudians striving for top management positions within the industry.

Labour Minister Maxwell Burgess told The Royal Gazette : "This is major news.

It's the coming of age of Bermuda's hotel industry. It's a time for every person directly in the industry and Bermuda as a whole to rally around the decision made by Sonesta.

"Supporting Mr. Tucker in his promotion speaks to the engendering of hope to every Bermudian that they too can aspire and, with ability and hard work, achieve the heights that Mr. Tucker has reached.

"History has been made. I once again commend Sonesta Beach and indeed the Aetna Group and I personally wish Mr. Tucker every success in his future endeavours.

"As Minister of Labour, I will do all I can to assist in assuring that he's given every opportunity to succeed.'' Mr. Tucker joined the resort in 1976 as chief accountant and was later promoted to vice president and director of finance. Since 1988 he has held the position of vice president and general manager.

Many felt he should have been promoted when then-Sonesta boss David Boyd resigned in 1996 because of poor health. Mr. Violi's appointment to the position sparked outrage but yesterday Mr. Tucker said: "I do not want to dwell on the past.'' As the resort's top manager, Mr. Tucker will be responsible for the quality of the guest experience at the resort, and its overall reputation and image.

This includes the areas of guest and employee relations, on-site marketing, government and community affairs, and long-term planning.

Dennis Tucker