The Chamber of Commerce's efforts to revitalise tourism and the retail sector will continue to be a "team effort'', said that organisation's new executive vice president.

The Chamber, like Government, "is dedicated as a team to advance the peace, prosperity and welfare of the Island'', said 28-year-old Ms Cyanne Thomas, who replaces Ms Carolyn Mello.

"Change is inevitable in Bermuda and the Chamber will have to play a big role in making those changes as smooth as possible to make Bermuda competitive,'' she said.

"This is an ideal position for me to take the ten years' of educational and cultural experiences I have had and apply them to the Bermuda environment.'' Ms Thomas brings a family background in small business as well as a recent one-year term as a promotional representative in Europe with Up With People to her new Chamber post.

Her father, Mr. Stanley Thomas, was the owner of Bermuda Crafts, a former Front Street business. Her family also operated a real estate business.

In making the announcement yesterday at the organisation's offices, Chamber of Commerce president Mr. Robert Rego said: "Cyanne replaces Ms Carolyn Mello, who is commencing a new position at the accounting firm of Kempe and Whittle.

"Cyanne is a young energetic Bermudian ready and able to take on this challenging role in our organisation.

"She has commendable experience gained in working and communicating with people of different cultural, educational and economic backgrounds,'' he said.

Mr. Rego also said: "The Chamber welcomes the appointment of Dr. Saul as premier and we are confident that Dr. Saul will bring a fresh new business approach to the management of our country.

"The Chamber looks forward to strengthening its working partnership with Government leaders and other organisations,'' he said.

Mr. Rego said the Chamber is examining: Ways to rekindle tourism and the retail sector; The revision of Bermuda's tax structure; Ways of promoting equal opportunity; and Supporting efforts to improve the education system in Bermuda.

The Chamber currently has 655 members across eight divisions with 50 new members this year, said programme and membership development manager Ms Shirley Mullan.

The Chamber will continue to "fine tune'' its Harbour Nights events, now in their third year of operation.