closed.

Co-owner Mr. Nelson Bascome MP blamed the weak tourism season and hurricane activity for the closure last week, which resulted in the loss of nine full-time and six part-time jobs.

"Tourism figures are down and the hurricane did not make things easier,'' he said. "We really tried to make it work but we had to make a business decision.'' Mr. Bascome is president of DNS Holding Company Ltd., which he owns equally with Mr. Dean Jones and Mr. Sweyn Goddard.

Executive director for Forte Hotels in Bermuda Mr. William Griffith, said: "Kiskadee's was an additional restaurant to the existing hotel restaurant, Tree Frogs.'' Tree Frogs restaurant continues to be the Belmont's main dining room and it was anticipated Kiskadee's customers would now dine at Tree Frogs, he said.

Kiskadee's, which opened on the eve of Cup Match holiday a year ago, had a three-year rental agreement, he added.

Mr. Griffith said he was not aware of any legal action by Forte while Mr.

Bascome said the parting with Belmont was amicable.

But a writ was filed with the Bermuda Supreme Court on August 25 by Winter Cookson Petty Ltd., Bermuda Electric Light Company Ltd., Island Engineering Ltd and the Bermuda Credit Association against DNS for $38,581.49.

Mr. Bascome said that matter would be cleared up.

UK-based Forte owns the Belmont and the Harmony Club.

Kiskadees closed on September 5.