The news today reveals that the Bermuda Department of Tourism is making staff of its New York City office redundant, having outsourced operations to an unnamed company.
We hired a US company to sell to US people … Their agreement is that the more they sell, the more they get paid. The less they sell, the less they get paid … In doing this we are literally saving millions of dollars.
That appears to be the extent of the announcement, and was only admitted after Bermudian staff contacted the media and ZBM started asking questions.
What is missing is the identity of this new promoter: so who is the lucky company? Was this put out to bid? What’s the budget and incentive? Will other Tourism offices be outsourced? Why was a statement never made about such a significant operational change? Does the Ministry have a business plan, or does the Doc just make this stuff up on the fly?
Me oh my there are lots of questions.
This email is doing the rounds:
DR EWART BROWN SQUANDERS OVERSEAS TOURISM JOBS AT THE EXPENSE OF BERMUDIANS!
It has come to a very sad day under the PLP Government, when they announced yesterday the outsourcing of overseas tourism jobs to an American sales company.
This announcement will have a major impact on the lives of several fellow Bermudians who have lived and worked overseas for upward of 30 years, many of whom will lose their jobs. We have toiled with such dedication, selling and promoting Bermuda and this has meant a severe sacrifice to friends and family along the way. However, our island home has reaped the benefit over the years and very much recently as you have seen the upswing in visitor arrivals. Do not be fooled in thinking that this upswing has been the result of the one man Ewart Brown show!
Of course the outsourcing of the jobs to American sales company means that we are will not be eligible to apply as many of us our on restricted visa and it has been noted that the company is not obliged to hire Bermudians. The proposed company has been actively recruiting our positions since June 6th 2008, on various internet job search sites whilst we were only advised in person yesterday July 9th 2008 of this pending outsourcing. Furthermore Cabinet only approved the outsourcing of these aforementioned post on Tuesday July 8th, 2008, some four weeks after the first job vacancy appeared online. The Permanent Secretary for Tourism & Transport, Mrs Cheri Whitter has clearly stated that the proposed sales company has not been contracted by the Bermuda Governent. So tell me Bermuda, how does a overseas company list Bermuda Department of Tourism as a client and begin to recruit on their behalf if they have no signed contract?
Tourism is the second pillar of our glowing economy, and we have watched over the years how Bermudians have shied away from working in the industry. This is so much that we are actively encouraging Bermudians to return and work in the sector of our economy. Why have such programs as the David Allen Internship for young Bermudians if we are giving the tourism jobs away to overseas companies?
Let it be known that your fellow Bermudians who work overseas are professionals, highly skilled, college educated and well respected in their respective territories. When the proposed company hire their new staff, they promise training in Bermuda. Well, that means that a Bermudian will have to train a NON-BERMUDIAN on island! The PLP government is effectively saying that yes Bermudians are good enough to train a NON-BERMUDIAN for the job but in fact not good enough to do the jobs themselves.
Really, you have to ask what has become of the PLP government when they are about to disenfranchised a group of Bermudian workers without any substantive rationale..
It is suggested that the outsourcing of these jobs will save money; however at no time has there been a staff consultation on what other solutions could be had as a means of cost saving. As a talented group of individuals we could have easily made contributions on possible effective solutions. Instead Dr. Ewart Brown as Minister of Tourism, strips the livelihood of young hardworking Bermudians whilst he waste millions on such tourism events as: THE INTERNATIONAL LOVE FESTIVAL, MIAMI HEATS SPONSORSHIP, NY METS SPONSORSHIP , A SO CALLED CHARITY EVENT AT THE PLAYBOY MANSION AND THE HIGHLY CONTROVERSIAL FAITH BASED TOURISM non of which generate significant visitors to the Island. Let’s not forget to mention his private jet trips, luxurious new BMW and the $500,000 personal expenses for Beyonce.
Just like you we are in the everyday struggle during this economic meltdown, and in 5 weeks time on September 1st 2008 when our jobs have been squandered away many of us will still have a family to feed, rent and mortgages to pay. It was stated recently by one of our fellow country man that “we need to take the “P” and the “L” out of PLP. There is nothing “Progressive” about it and it dare not have the audacity to associate itself with “Labour”. The last “P” should remain, because the only thing this government under this leadership is good at doing is hosting a party.”
BERMUDA, how can we sit back and let such an atrocity happen?
How can we sell out our Bermuda Tourism Jobs to an overseas company?
How can we continue to say ‘Feel the Love’?
How do you let your tax payers dollars pay for another lucrative contract, while your fellow BERMUDIANS become unemployed?
DID YOU EVER EXPECT THE PLP, A LABOUR GOVERNMENT TO ROB BERMUDIANS OF THEIR JOBS?
STAND WITH US BERMUDA! This not only effects us but you as well as our Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, Brothers, Nieces, Nephews, Grandparents, Friends, and Neighbors.
PLEASE FORWARD TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY……LET BERMUDA KNOW WHAT DR. EWART BROWN AND THE PLP GOVERNMENT ARE DOING TO BERMUDIANS.
This must be the recruitment ad mentioned above:
IMMEDIATE REQUIREMENT
Sales Manager Position in New York
Incredible opportunity for the right manager! Must be able to teach and lead through example!
We will be representing Bermuda, Department of Tourism and generating travel to this beautiful island.
Responsibilities include managing 6 person sales team from our NY office. Recruit and train sales team, conduct daily sales directions, assists in closing new business, assists in marketing, assists in generating activities including meeting and greeting potential clients.
Requirements include a minimum of 3-5 years of directly applicable sales management experience. Experience selling intangible services preferred.
Must have abilities gained through experience such as:
· Proven ability to close business for value added services.
· Proven ability to dig through various organizations to establish the appropriate contacts.
· Proven ability to connect and talk with business owners.
· Proven ability to understand customer needs and translate into “best fitting” solution or product.
· Proven ability to manage sales professionals.
· Computer skills mandatory.
Must have high energy, be a teacher, coach and have the desire to be successful.
Competitive Base Salary, benefits, mileage, cell phone, along with an aggressive commission plan.
Please submit resumes to resumes@salesfocusinc.com and reference, NY DOT Sales Manager.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/681261285