hotel.

John Murtha will leave the South Shore hotel in June to take up a similar position at the 400-room Sonesta hotel in Cambridge, Boston.

Arriving in Bermuda in October, 1998, Mr. Murtha has been the second in command to Sonesta vice-president Dennis Tucker and will become vice-president/general manager in Boston.

He said the pending sale of the hotel to White Sands hotel owner James M.

Dwyer was "mostly coincidental'' to his departure back to his home town.

"The job in Cambridge became available at the beginning of the year, I know they have been looking for somebody for some time,'' he said. "For both personal and professional reasons it makes sense to go back to Boston.'' Mr. Murtha, who came to Bermuda from the Sonesta Beach Resort and Casino in Curacao, said there was both excitement and regret with the move. He added he would miss Bermuda.

An American, has been with the Sonesta chain for more than 20 years.

Sonesta vice-president and managing director Dennis Tucker remains in overall charge and will ensure there is a smooth transition for Mr. Murtha's replacement.

Meanwhile, he said the sale of the hotel from owners Aetna International was still proceeding but the possible completion date had been put back from April to May.

And in the meantime, Mr. Murtha said the hotel was getting ready for a busy season.

"Until such time as funds are transferred it is not a done deal, I do not anticipate any problems or hitches.

"We are gearing up for a busy season. May and June are going to beat our forecasts, July and August are good, it is going to be a strong summer,'' he said.

Bookings for May to August were in the mid 80s, he said, which was a little over last year's numbers.

New Jersey-based James M. Dwyer announced their intention to buy the 400 room resort hotel earlier in the year.

After purchasing the White Sands hotel, Mr. Dwyer was keen to acquire a larger Island property. He is understood to have tried to buy for the former Belmont property and the West End Lantana cottage colony.

Although his spokesman said the felt the Sonesta had great potential, they also warned of possible cut backs.

Faxed questions to James M. Dwyer about possible plans for the resort have not been answered.

John Murtha