Government has held talks with hotel chiefs to discuss the controversial issue of promotion to the top job at Sonesta Beach, the Home Affairs Minister revealed last night.

Quinton Edness was hitting back at criticism that Government was failing in its Bermudianisation policy -- in particular at the Sonesta.

"Government is serious about implementing its Bermudianisation policy and I wish to refute allegations that it has failed to fulfill its promise,'' said Mr. Edness.

He added: "It is the Government's commitment to the policy of Bermudianisation and ensuring that Bermudians are treated fairly that has caused myself and this Ministry to hold a number of meetings during the last several weeks with Sonesta International to discuss the promotion issue.

"Further meetings are planned to ensure that all parties understand each other's concerns.'' Bermuda Industrial Union president Derrick Burgess recently questioned whether Government was sincere about its policy of Bermudianisation.

He said people would know the truth when a new managing director was announced at the Sonesta Beach Hotel.

Mr. Burgess said so far there had been only hearsay which suggested Bermudian Dennis Tucker, the hotel's current general manager, would not be promoted.

Charles Jeffers, the National Liberal Party chairman, also joined in the controversy demanding to know why it appeared Mr. Tucker was being overlooked for the top job at Sonesta.

He also sounded a warning that young qualified Bermudians would get frustrated and resentful if they were squeezed out of the local workforce.

Last night Mr. Edness added that Government had to issue a work permit and no application has been made for the Sonesta.

"I agree with Mr. Burgess that we do have to ensure that Bermudians, across all levels, are given a fair opportunity for jobs for which they are qualified and the job at Sonesta is no exception.

"We too are sensitive to the fact that Mr. Tucker is a competent top hotel executive who deserves an opportunity.'' The managing director's position at the Southampton hotel became vacant when David Boyd resigned earlier this year due to ill health.

Since then the position's duties have been fulfilled by Mr. Tucker, who joined Sonesta 20 yars ago.