named to the organisation's top post.

Tourism Minister David Dodwell and Bermuda Hotel Association president Dennis Tucker made the announcement of Eugene Blakeney's appointment to VIP chairman yesterday.

He succeeds W.A. (Toppy) Cowen who stepped down from the position in June citing health reasons and politics after nine months in the post.

Mr. Dodwell said: "We look forward to working with Mr. Blakeney in his new position and are confident that together we can focus our efforts on enhancing everyone's appreciation of the importance of tourism.'' Mr. Tucker added: "Mr. Blakeney has been a member of the VIP since its inception and we are confident that he will do a sterling job.'' The VIP executive also expressed pleasure at Mr. Blakeney's appointment.

"We look forward to his new vision and leadership to galvanise and revitalise the community to greater appreciation, awareness and recognition of the contribution every man, woman and child can make to an improved experience for our visitors of today and tomorrow,'' said a spokesman.

Mr. Blakeney recently retired as general secretary of the Bermuda Public Services Association and also served in that capacity at the Bermuda Industrial Union.

Between 1976 and 1980 he was a member of the Legislative Council and he served in Parliament for Warwick West between 1980 and 1983 and for Hamilton Parish West between 1990 and 1993.

He has also served as president of the Bermuda Cooperative Society and was a member of the Bermuda Industrial Union Credit Union.

And Mr. Blakeney sat as a member of the Board of Inquiry which looked into the problem of drug abuse in local sports.