Government backbencher Dale Butler has been named as director of training, leadership and communication for The Little Venice Group of restaurants.

The group's directors said the appointment was made to upgrade the training programmes for up to 200 employees and attract Bermudians as staff members.

Little Venice Group of restaurants employs a large amount of overseas staff.

Mr. Butler acknowledged his appointment will be viewed in light of recent comments by fellow MP Reginald Burrows who last month named Mr. Butler as a prime candidate in calling on local businesses to hand out jobs to PLP backbenchers.

Mr. Burrows said the MPs like Mr. Butler who had given up his job as principal at Northlands Primary School would be "perfect for many major local businesses in consulting or training roles''.

Mr. Butler had defended Mr. Burrows controversial statements at the time.

Mr. Butler yesterday pointed to his qualifications and experience as the reason for his appointment to the newly-created position at The Little Venice Group. Mr. Butler said he has 22 years of experience as a teacher and motivator. He also has 16 years experience as an administrator and public relations officer.

He was working yesterday as project manager for Butterfield Excavation when contacted by telephone. He said he had worked as a consultant for ten other clients in the past ten weeks as a consultant.

Mr. Butler said he saw the new position as a way of helping the group communicate with its staff, help them further their training, and upgrade the restaurants' health and safety standards.

Butler joins Little Venice He will also be organising human rights training for employees.

The aim is to get staff motivated to provide a better service to customers.

Little Venice, La Trattoria, Harbourfront, La Coquille and Cafe Lido belong to the group which is owned by holding company M.E.F. Enterprises Ltd.

The directors of the company are Emilio Barbieri, Jacky Di Meglio and Teresa Chatfield.

Mr. Barbieri said Mr. Butler was hired for his experience and because he was a motivator of people. The group hires between 175 to 200 staff depending on the season and wanted to attract more Bermudians to the staff. Mr. Barbieri said the group awards about six training scholarships a year but had no guarantee graduates will come to work for them.

The position was an attempt to do more in-house training.

"In an industry whose demands have increased substantially in the past ten years as customers expectations have risen, your employees are key,'' he said.

"It is difficult to attract not only qualified Bermudians but also able staff from overseas. The industry worldwide has changed dramatically and training is fundamental to good team work and dedication.'' Mr. Butler said he had had about 12 job offers over the past month and had chosen this one because it gave him the flexibility to perform his MP duties as well.

BUSINESS BUC