A Minister in the last United Bermuda Party Government advised his children not to get into the hospitality industry because it was for "losers", it was claimed yesterday.

Former Bermuda College president George Cook said he was "aghast" when the Minister made the remarks, which he said did nothing to encourage young people to get into the industry.

"When I was president of the College, I had a Minister of the former Government state to me that he had advised his children not to go into hospitality because its an industry for losers," he said.

"If that was a Minister of the Government, how can you expect anyone to go into an industry with any optimism for the future? I couldn't believe it. I was aghast. How can you expect any young person to go into the industry if that is their attitude to their children?"

Dr. Cook made his comments during a question and answer session at yesterday's Hamilton Rotary Club lunch at Tuscany Restaurant.

He refused to name the Minister when asked by The Royal Gazette after the meeting.