Three-time Olympic track and field athlete Hazel Clark has resigned from the Bermuda Tourism Authority after 6 years with the quango.
Hazel Clark has resigned as Director of Global Sales and Business Development, a key position at the Bermuda Tourism Authority that she has held since 2018.
The position was specifically created for her under former CEO Kevin Dallas, to devise strategies to grow sports tourism through local events and training initiatives.
A former colleague, Bermuda National Athletic Association President Dr. Freddie Evans, singing her praises for her work over the years, such as overseeing the first-ever USATF track meet held in Bermuda, and drawing the likes of world class athletes, such as Noah Lyles and others to our shores.
Dr. Evans said, “It would be hard to describe Hazel’s impact on our ability to create professional track meets. Those that follow Bermuda National athletics know that we’ve done meets in the past – very good quality meets, but we didn’t have the ability to attract the star power that someone like Hazel Clark could.
“She is track royalty not only in the U.S. but the world and when she makes calls, people answer,” he added.
Most notably, Ms. Clark is said to have played a major role in securing three consecutive USATF Bermuda Grand Prix events on the island, which was televised to millions across the US.
She also introduced new talent to the sport with the Fastest Kid on the Rock event.
Ms. Clark’s departure has further fueled speculation that not all is well within the BTA.
It was reported that a number of high-level employees left the organisation in recent years including former CEO Charles Jeffers, II, former chief of marketing and sales Victoria Isley, and VP of sales and business development Devin Lewis.
OBA Senator Dwayne Robinson, spokesperson for Tourism, Culture, and Sport said it was “very disappointing” to see another valuable member of the BTA resign.
Senator Robinson said the loss for the BTA is a loss for the Bermuda Tourism Product, and asked what is happening within the BTA that is in the public’s interest to know.
A new board was also announced today with the addition of two newcomers – tourism professional Billy Griffith, and business owner Dennie O’Connor.
Wayne Caines remains as chair, alongside Jennifer Phillips, Shiona Turini, Kim Swan and deputy chair Joseph Best.
Ms. Clark was unable to provide comment.
CEO of the BTA, Tracey Berkeley wished Ms. Clark well on her departure stating in a release, “We extend our gratitude to Hazel Clark for her significant contributions to Bermuda and the BTA, and we wish her every success in her next chapter.
“The Bermuda Tourism Authority is a dynamic organisation, and like any organisation of our calibre, attrition is a natural part of our evolution. It is important to note that departures include resignations for alternate employment, the conclusion of fixed-term contracts, and instances where employees did not progress past the probationary period among other reasons.”
Ms. Berkeley added, “We are committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive. While challenges arise, they will not distract us from our mission to drive Bermuda’s tourism forward and to position the island as a premier travel destination.”
Meanwhile, BTA Chairperson, Wayne M. Caines said, “The Board is aware of the concerns raised regarding workplace culture and takes these matters seriously. To that end, we initiated a Third-Party Culture Review in the last quarter of 2024.
“The final report will be delivered on January 17, 2025, and the Board will review its findings and make decisions shortly thereafter, based on the recommendations of this independent assessment.”
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Tourism said, “The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Owen Darrell, is aware of concerns surrounding the work environment at the BTA, including those raised in relation to recent resignations.”
“The Minister has sought clarity from the Board regarding these issues and has requested a full update. A review is currently underway, and the Minister is awaiting the results,” they added.
The spokesperson further noted that the Minister does not oversee the day-to-day operations of the quango but rather relies on the Board to ensure proper procedures are followed for transparency and accountability.
They concluded, “They have a date to report to the Minister and we await the report to make necessary and informed decisions.”
