The new head of Sonesta Beach declares he and the Bermudian who was passed over for the post will make a "fabulous team''.

Joseph Violi told The Royal Gazette he was not taking the uproar over his appointment personally.

"I know it's not me, Joseph Violi, personally,'' Mr. Violi said. "It's the situation.'' Formerly Trump International Hotel and Tower general manager, American Mr.

Violi arrived on Monday to assume posts of president and managing director of Sonesta Beach Resort Bermuda.

It was a job many believed Bermudian Dennis Tucker -- who has served as vice president and manager since 1988 -- was qualified for and deserved.

"I can empathise with the situation and with Dennis,'' Mr. Violi added.

Sonesta International Hotels president Stephanie Sonnabend justified the corporation's decision by saying they needed to focus on marketing and brought someone in with that strength.

Mr. Tucker's strengths are day-to-day hotel management as well as governmental and community relations, Ms Sonnabend said.

Prior to his Trump Tower post, Mr. Violi worked with Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Hyatt Hotels from 1974 to 1994, managing several premier properties for each company. A native of Massena, New York, he graduated from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration in 1974.

"I was brought in for my skills,'' Mr. Violi said. "I think Dennis and I will make a fabulous team.'' "Dennis, with his promotion, will handle the daily operations and I'm going to work on the marketing,'' he added.

Despite all the controversy surrounding his appointment Mr. Violi said his first few days in Bermuda had been good.

"The hotel and Dennis has welcomed me,'' Mr. Violi said. "It's been an exciting time although I've only been here a couple of days. I love being in Bermuda and look forward to my time here.'' Despite being passed over for the 400-room, 400-employee resort's top post, a position which he did apply for, Mr. Tucker said he was "not disappointed''.

On whether or not he felt he had been passed over, Mr. Tucker said: "I really can't get into all that. Both Sonesta and myself have worked out an arrangement we feel is best for the hotel and the employees. I am very supportive of it.'' He also said: "I have been very comforted by the support I've received from the public and from Government.'' On Monday, Sonesta International announced Mr. Tucker was promoted to vice president and general manager from vice president and manager.

Deputy PLP leader Alex Scott told The Royal Gazette he was not satisfied with the hotel's decision.

"Mr. Tucker was qualified for the post,'' he said. Mr. Scott added that he found Mr. Tucker's acceptance of the appointment was "curious'' and warned Mr. Tucker that his bosses would continue to move back the "goal posts'' or top job out of his reach.

And he said that the company's excuse that Mr. Violi had the knowledge and ability to market in the US, opened "a Pandora's box''.

"Bermudians can be developed and have expertise,'' he explained, "but they'll (corporations) say its their lack of knowledge about the US or Canada.

They're looking for that small aspect that the Bermudian lacks.'' Mr. Scott said most people knew companies hired marketing firms to do their marketing.

"Mr. Tucker has the experience and the expertise to liaison with these marketing firms,'' he said.

"The point needs to be brought home (to companies) that having Bermudians at the top will be good business for their operations,'' Mr. Scott said.

He said the PLP were not trying to threaten businesses, but were just trying to point out the benefits of having Bermudians as top executives.

"I hope they realise that in a PLP government they will have a willing partner to show them that Bermudians help the bottom line,'' Mr. Scott added.

"We won't threaten them.'' National Liberal Party Chairman Charles Jeffers labelled Mr. Violi's appointment and Mr. Tucker's promotion as "another slap in the face for Bermudians''.

"Instead of getting the top position,'' Mr. Jeffers said, "a pacifier is offered.'' He added that Mr. Tucker had no choice but to "appear pleased'' with his promotion since his career was at stake.

And Mr. Jeffers said the Minister of Home, Labour and Affairs Quinton Edness should answer questions like the length of Mr. Violi's contract and if Mr.

Tucker would be appointed at the end of the contract.