Former Elbow Beach General Manager John Jefferis is close to finally signing a contract to run the Stonington Beach Hotel - four months after he was awarded the job.

Mr. Jefferis, who now runs the Coco Reef Reef resort in Tobago, won the contract to run the Government-owned hotel in January.

He beat Bermuda Resorts Hotels, which owns the Harmony Club, Surf Side Beach Club, The Wharf Executive Hotel, and the former White Sands Hotel - which is to re-open as the Grape Bay Beach Hotel.

It is understood the Department of Tourism and Mr. Jefferis are still ironing out some issues before the contract is signed and a start date is announced.

Director of Tourism Judith Hall Bean said last night: "Talks are continuing with Mr. Jefferis to reach an agreement and as soon as we reach one, Government will make an announcement as to a start date."

The hotel is owned by Bermuda College and has been used to train Bermudians in the hospitality industry.

When the College, Tourism and the Education Department decided to put the management contract out to tender, it was made clear that the hotel will continue to be used to train Bermudians.

The Royal Gazette has been trying to contact Mr. Jefferis since January, but he has not returned telephone calls.