claims that the Stonington Beach Hotel was considering hiring a foreign controller.

Shadow Labour and Immigration Minister Mr. Alex Scott told the House of Assembly last week that the present Bermudian controller was leaving.

And reading excerpts from a letter from a concerned resident, he said it was feared that "another foreign worker would be hired to do the job that a trained Bermudian can do''.

But yesterday Bermuda College deputy chairman Mr. Kim White told The Royal Gazette the hotel had received 17 applications, including five Bermudians and the spouse of a Bermudian, before Mr. Scott made his comments.

Had Mr. Scott bothered to check with Stonington, he added, he would have been aware of that.

The deadline for the post, which was advertised in The Royal Gazette earlier this month, was November 19.

Mr. White said applicants are being interviewed now and no decisions had been made.

According to the newspaper advertisement, the successful applicant must have academic qualifications "such as a recognised accounting designation or a degree in finance and accounting.

"He or she must have a proven record of managerial skills, a sound understanding of computers and experience in a similar position in a hotel with a complete food and beverage position.

"A genuine interest and commitment to education and training is essential.''