A Senator has claimed the closure of the Marriott Castle Harbour Resort has placed Bermuda in an "unfavourable position'' and causes him "grave'' concern.

Opposition Sen. Kim Swan , speaking during the motion to adjourn yesterday, said although he was sure a new management company was on the way for the stricken hotel, Government must do what it can to see a deal inked soon.

Pointing out his experience at the hotel the last time it closed in 1984, he said in November of that year employees like himself knew they would have jobs there under new management.

"People knew where their future lay,'' he said, adding that staff knew they may have to be retrained or would be working during the renovation.

"Today we have the closure of Castle Harbour, but we have great uncertainty,'' Sen. Swan added. "It does not bode well for an industry that is trying to attract the serious golfer.'' He continued: "Today we are far inferior to those places that we said we were better than. Golf, especially at a quality resort, is an important part of many people's vacation choices...it causes me grave concern.'' Government leader in the Senate Milton Scott said he was pleased to hear Sen.

Swan address the issues without blaming the Government.

And he said the Island needed greater cooperation in solving tourism's problems while citing the work of Tourism Minister David Allen and Monitor Group.

"Sometimes we have to make difficult decisions,'' he said. "But I'm sure we are going to get the concept right. As the Premier said last year, `change is gradual, hope is immediate'. That is the type of vision that we want here.'' Senators also clashed over the operation of the Government-run, teaching facility, Stonington Beach Hotel in Paget.

Opposition Senator Maxwell Burgess said he was concerned with the $250,000 loss every year at the hotel, and called for an independent management team and a second look at the teaching aspect of the hotel.

"That will cut the losses, train Bermudians, and help recover tourism,'' he said. "That money could send them to Cornell for almost the same price.'' But Sen. Scott reminded the chamber that the Government had organised an advisory body in February.

Also on Stonington, Opposition Sen. Mark Pettingill -- during the congratulatory speeches phase of the sitting -- noted the departure of manager Esan Fredrick, saying: "It's always sad where you see a young person leaving.

Often he who is given so much talents has many options.'' `Uncertainty': Sen. Kim Swan.

COOPERATION': Sen. Milton Scott