Sonesta Beach staff last night heaped scorn on a management recruitment drive, labelling it a "joke''.

Employees have been offered $100 by management for recommending anyone who completes a 90-day probationary period.

But last night a Bermudian employee said: "The staff are laughing and see it as nothing more than a bribe.

"We know management really want to bring in foreigners and this is just a diversion.'' The employee -- who did not wish to be named -- said non-Bermudians were set to fill some positions now being advertised.

An American was becoming the new food and beverage manager, while a Canadian would be trained as a waitress, the employee added.

Sonesta vice-president Dennis Tucker said he had no knowledge of plans to hire an American. He also defended the recruitment drive, saying it was "nothing new''.

"We have done it off and on for years. It's an incentive programme to get our employees to recommend and direct potential employees to the hotel.

"We have run this programme for a number of years. We want to get more Bermudians.'' Earlier this month the hotel was swept by controversy over a decision not to renew the work permits of five non-Bermudian waiters, including 26-year-old Robert Faichney and Darragh Moore, 22, who received their six weeks' notice on New Year's Day.

The pair have claimed management failed to provide a valid reason for not renewing their work permits. But Sonesta president Joseph Violi said the decision was made for business reasons after a review of the running of the hotel. In a letter to Mr. Moore, he stated the decision not to renew his permit was made "due to consistent and documented work related issues this year''.

The hotel has since advertised for a host of positions.

These include chefs, waiters, a food and beverage controller, assistant director of property operations, gardener, front desk agent and administrative assistants.

This week, The Royal Gazette obtained a copy of a memo to all Sonesta Beach staff from human resources manager Wayne Lima.

"If you know of any bright energetic people that you feel would be a great asset to this hotel, I want to know about them,'' it said. "In fact, I am willing to pay any individual $100 if they recommend any full time individual who successfully completes their 90-day probation period.'' The memo says previous hotel experience is not essential. Vitality and attitude to work was crucial, however.

"I want to talk to anyone you know who has a relentless commitment to customer service.

"Please ensure that each applicant, that you introduce, has your name clearly printed in the appropriate spot on the Sonesta Application Form. I will not accept any after the fact referrals. No exceptions! "So keep those eyes and ears open, and don't let any exciting candidates slip away. You could be missing out on $100 in cash. Thank you and best of luck.

Help me in BRINGING BERMUDA TO SONESTA.'' A Sonesta employee -- a Bermudian -- said staff were sceptical about the memo, believing it was a cover for bringing in non-Bermudians.

The employee added Bermudians in the hotel were already upset over the laying off of the five expatriate waiters.

"I thought the way management did it was low and dirty. I feel it was done for personal reasons. I know most of those waiters and they were willing to speak out. That's why they lost their jobs.

"If management wanted to Bermudianise the hotel why didn't they look at all the departments? "We feel the five deserve a chance and I hope they get other jobs on the Island. Management went about things the wrong way.'' Mr. Tucker said the recruitment programme memo was unconnected to the decision to let go five waiters. And he rejected allegations it was a "bribe''.

"We are not in the business of being underhand, evil and conniving. We are only interested in running the hotel.''