Tuesday, December 3, 2024

BTB says Karen Bevans is no longer their director of tourism

Share

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) confirmed that as of Friday, March 12th, Karen Bevans is no longer their director. Scrutiny followed Bevans after she refused to step down from her post following the government’s change in the November 2020 general elections. Bevans, armed with a five-year contract signed with the previous government, tried to remain as Director of Tourism, but on Monday, March 15th BTB announced her departure in a press release.

The official statement did not say the cause of Bevan’s termination, nor did it indicate what happened to her contract.  Under such an agreement, Bevans was to be paid $173,000 annually plus benefits. As the former director fought her case, an investigation on BTB’s pension fund’s mismanagement took place. Allegations are that over $400,000 from that fund were used between July and November 2020 to pay salaries.

BTB’s statement did not elaborate, simply stating that following a Board of Directors meeting, they unanimously decided that it was time for Bevans to part ways. The board intends to fill the post, but Chairman Evan Tillet will serve as acting director until then. This entails being responsible for the management and leadership of the BTB.

The BTB looks forward to moving ahead and commits to working closely with all stakeholders. Together with the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, they hope to move the industry and the country forward.

Read more

 

Please help support Local Journalism in Belize

For the first time in the history of the island's community newspaper, The San Pedro Sun is appealing to their thousands of readers to help support the paper during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 1991 we have tirelessly provided vital local and national news. Now, more than ever, our community depends on us for trustworthy reporting, but our hard work comes with a cost. We need your support to keep delivering the news you rely on each and every day. Every reader contribution, however big or small, is so valuable. Please support us by making a contribution.

Local News