America’s Cup ACBDA Board Members Named

January 19, 2015

[Updated with video] More than 700 individuals have applied for the advertised America’s Cup jobs, Minister of Economic Development Dr Grant Gibbons said today [Jan 19] during a press briefing about the America’s Cup preparations, which saw the ACBDA board members introduced as Chairman Peter Durhager, John Collis, David Dodwell, Darren Johnston, Warren Jones, Donna Pearman, Denise Riviere, Jasmin Smith, Blythe Walker and Mike Winfield.

The Minister said the Board members “kindly agreed to serve pro-bono” and “bring together a wide cross section of experience, outreach and knowledge.”

Pictured with the Minister are [left to right] Jasmin Smith, Blythe Walker, ACBDA Chairman Peter Durhager, ACBDA CEO Mike Winfield, David Dodwell, Donna Pearman, Warren Jones and Denise Riviere. Board members missing from the photo are Darren Johnston and John Collis.

ACBDA Board

Dr Gibbons said, “I am pleased to provide further details about the America’s Cup Bermuda – the ACBDA – the body which will play a central role in helping the Government and Bermuda fulfill its responsibilities as the host venue for the America’s Cup 2017.

“Just before the end of last year, you will recall that we formally registered the ACBDA as a company. It is owned by government as the sole shareholder, but will carry out its role as an independent body, with full accountability to the Government through the Ministry of Economic Development.

“During its operation, the ACBDA will be funded by an annual grant from the Ministry of Economic Development, much like the Bermuda Business Development Agency.

“The ACBDA in conjunction with the Ministry of Economic Development, as well as other Government Ministries when needed, will be responsible for delivering all of the commitments we have made to the ACEA.

“It will interact with the ACEA and provide a liaison with it, the teams and Bermuda. I will also provide welcoming services to those who will be relocating to Bermuda and for generally assisting individuals and groups associated with the America’s Cup in Bermuda.

Update: 16-minute video of the full press conference today

“In carrying out its responsibilities, the ACBDA will represent Bermuda’s interests with the America’s Cup Event Authority, the teams and other parties – and will also work to ensure effective communications with the broader Bermuda community.

“In addition, the ACBDA will work with the ACEA to help raise sponsorship funds to offset Bermuda’s financial guarantee commitments.

“In keeping with its company structure, the ACBDA has a board of directors who will be responsible for the oversight and governance of the company and to ensure it carries out its operational responsibilities in a fair and effective manner. Reporting to the board will be a small operational group headed by a chief executive officer [CEO].

The ACBDA board has 10 directors, with Chairman Peter Durhager joined by John Collis, David Dodwell, Darren Johnston, Warren Jones, Donna Pearman, Denise Riviere, Jasmin Smith, Blythe Walker as well as ACBDA CEO Mike Winfield,

The Minister said the Ministry of Economic Development and the ACBDA team are currently involved in budget preparations both for the final quarter of the current Government fiscal year and for the upcoming 2015/16 Budget, and more information will be forthcoming during the upcoming budget debate.

“I believe that the America’s Cup can be a significant catalyst for Bermuda’s broad economic revival and mark a defining point in our recovery,” added Dr. Gibbons.

The Minister’s full statement follows below:

Good Morning,

Today I am pleased to provide further details about the America’s Cup Bermuda – the ACBDA – the body which will play a central role in helping the Government and Bermuda fulfill its responsibilities as the host venue for the America’s Cup 2017.

However before I do so, I would like to give a brief update on recent activities.

The planning and preparation for the build-out of the initial phases for team bases at Dockyard is well underway. These activities have been carried out in close coordination with the WEDCO team. The work had to be expedited given the intent of Team Oracle to be on the ground and sailing by May of this year.

The America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA) has been working closely with our team and planning their move to Bermuda, beginning in February and March.

As reported, the ACEA has already begun advertising for positions it wishes to fill from within the Bermuda community at www.americascup.com and in the Royal Gazette. I understand that they are delighted with the volume and quality of the responses they are receiving. More than 700 individuals have applied for the advertised jobs.

The Ministry of Economic Development and the ACBDA team are currently involved in budget preparations both for the final quarter of the current Government fiscal year and for the upcoming 2015/16 Budget. More information will be forthcoming during the upcoming budget debate.

Now I’d like to provide more details about the ACBDA and its role.
The Government has key goals we want to achieve from hosting the America’s Cup.

These goals include:

  • 1. That the benefits arising from the Americas Cup events be spread throughout Bermuda as much as possible. Having said that, we all need to understand that the Americas Cup does not give any of us automatic rights to income or opportunity; we are going to have to earn those opportunities by providing value.
  • 2. That Bermuda delivers the venues with excellence, as committed, on time and in a way that will portray Bermuda at its best to the world audience that will be watching.
  • 3. That in creating the America’s Cup village we are always mindful of the enduring legacy impact on Bermuda. We want the investments we make to have a long term, positive impact for Bermuda for years to come. This will apply not just to the village but to Dockyard as a whole and also to other areas of Bermuda.
  • 4. That the intended outreach throughout the community as expressed to us by the Americas Cup Event Authority impacts a wide range of people. This will include taking the ACEA STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs into the schools to engage Bermuda’s young people with the teams and the magnificent sailing they will be undertaking in Bermuda. The outreach will also include other relevant local organizations, such as sailing and boating clubs, that can interact and gain from involvement and association with the Americas Cup.
  • 5. That we seek to maximize the opportunity and positive exposure of Bermuda on the world stage.

Just before the end of last year, you will recall that we formally registered the ACBDA as a company. It is owned by government as the sole shareholder, but will carry out its role as an independent body, with full accountability to the Government through the Ministry of Economic Development.

We chose a company structure which has been successfully used before – the BLDC being an example. With this structure the ACBDA will have the ability to hire a small staff, engage consultants and enter into contracts in order to carry out its responsibilities.

During its operation, the ACBDA will be funded by an annual grant from the Ministry of Economic Development, much like the Bermuda Business Development Agency.

The ACBDA in conjunction with the Ministry of Economic Development, as well as other Government Ministries when needed, will be responsible for delivering all of the commitments we have made to the ACEA.

It will interact with the ACEA and provide a liaison with it, the teams and Bermuda. I will also provide welcoming services to those who will be relocating to Bermuda and for generally assisting individuals and groups associated with the America’s Cup in Bermuda.

In carrying out its responsibilities, the ACBDA will represent Bermuda’s interests with the America’s Cup Event Authority, the teams and other parties – and will also work to ensure effective communications with the broader Bermuda community.

In addition, the ACBDA will work with the ACEA to help raise sponsorship funds to offset Bermuda’s financial guarantee commitments.

In keeping with its company structure, the ACBDA has a board of directors who will be responsible for the oversight and governance of the company and to ensure it carries out its operational responsibilities in a fair and effective manner. Reporting to the board will be a small operational group headed by a chief executive officer (CEO).

With these goals in mind, we have reached out into the community to seek board members who are willing to contribute their time and talent and bring their specific experience and skills to the benefit of our America’s Cup efforts. We have chosen individuals who combine knowledge and expertise and represent a wide cross section of our community.

The ACBDA board has 10 directors including a chairman.

It gives me great pleasure today to introduce the newly constituted board of directors of the ACBDA and its chairman.

Many of you will be aware that Peter Durhager recently retired from RenaissanceRe. Peter played a key role in the successful Bermuda America’s Cup Bid Team. Peter is currently the Chairman of Ascendant, served for the last 5 years as Co-Chair of Bermuda First and is Chair of the Bermuda Community Foundation. I could go on for some time regarding Peter’s accomplishments. Suffice it to say, when you need a job done, go to busy people! I am delighted to announce that Peter has agreed to serve as Chairman of the ACBDA.

Peter will be joined by the following individuals who have kindly agreed to serve pro-bono on our Board. These are individuals who bring together a wide cross section of experience, outreach and knowledge. All of them will bring something unique to our efforts going forward.

John Collis – John spent his career up to 2013 practising as a barrister and attorney specializing in corporate and commercial matters. He headed the international corporate practice of law firm, Conyers, Dill & Pearman Limited, and was chairman of the firm for the last 17 years and oversaw a period of significant growth and expansion around the world.

David Dodwell – David is a past Minister of Tourism, Member of Parliament, President of the Bermuda Hotel Association and is the first Chairman of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, the organization that he led a small team to create. He has an expansive knowledge of tourism and hospitality, owning two award winning hotels, one of which, the Reefs, is located here in Bermuda.

Darren Johnston – Darren is currently the CEO of PWC’s Caribbean Region and has over 27 years experience in the professional services industry. Darren is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, is a former member of the Bermuda Government Audit Committee and has served as Deputy Chair of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, Chairman of the Board of Education, Treasurer of the Berkeley Education Society and board member of the Berkeley Institute, Somersfield Academy and Summit Montessori School in Massachusetts.

Warren Jones – Warren has been Permanent Secretary of both Education and Health ministries within the Bermuda Government. He was Assistant Cabinet Secretary for six years He serves as Bandmaster of the Salvation Army, Bermuda Visional Band and its Army Cedar Hill Citadel band. Warren is an accomplished sailor and is currently the CEO of Polaris Holding Company Limited, the parent company of Stevedoring Services, Equipment Sales & Rentals and Mill Reach Holdings Limited.

Donna Pearman – Donna is the President and CEO of People’s Pharmacy, a family-owned and operated business she founded and established. Donna sits as a board member of the Ascendant Group and the Meyer Group of Companies. She is a former member of the Boards of the Pharmacy Council, Universal Electric and has served on the Works & Engineering Purchasing and Tendering Committee, Misuse of Drugs Board, Bermuda Council for Drug Free Sports and the Bermuda Small Business Development Association. She is a recipient of the Queens Badge and Certificate of Honour.

Denise Riviere – Denise has Masters Degrees in both Business Administration and Organizational Development. She has worked as an Account Manager with IBM in Chicago and as HR Manager of the Retail Banking Division of the Bank of Bermuda. Denise established her own consulting business, OD Solutions International. In 2009 her love for youth development led her to the Bermuda Sloop foundation, initially as a board member and then as CEO from 2011 to 2014. She continues to serve as a volunteer.

Jasmin Smith – Jasmin brings a successful career in the private sector in combination with stellar service with Government. She worked for a number of years in the Ministry of Tourism, leading Government’s hotel concessions initiative. Jasmin was the key Government representative on Bermuda’s America’s Cup Bid team and is currently the Director of Transport Control. Jasmin will be moving from the Ministry of Tourism Development and Transport to the Ministry of Economic Development on March 1st on a secondment basis. She will be lead liaison between the ACBDA and Government and represent the Government on the Board.

Blythe Walker – Blythe is one of Bermuda’s most accomplished sailors. He represented Bermuda in the 1992 Olympics and has competed in numerous Gold Cup Regattas where he sailed against many of the sailors who will compete in the America’s Cup. Blythe is the Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bermuda Baha’i Community. He has held various roles at Max Re Ltd. including Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer and is currently the Vice President of Risk & Underwriting Systems at RenaissanceRe Ltd.

In addition, the ACBDA CEO, Mike Winfield, will be a member of the Board and will be introduced shortly by the Chairman.

Before handing over to Peter Durhager, let me say that we will continue sharing information as it evolves. There is much to be done to ensure success and success must be defined not just by the delivery of the venues with excellence but also in the long term sustainable benefits that Bermuda can realize from the events. I believe that the America’s Cup can be a significant catalyst for Bermuda’s broad economic revival and mark a defining point in our recovery.

-

The full remarks by Peter Durhager, ACBDA Chairman, follows below:

Thank you, Minister. I look forward to leading the board of the ACBDA and working with this accomplished team to achieve the objectives you’ve outlined.

Bermuda’s selection as the winning venue to host the 2017 Americas Cup did not happen by accident. It happened through hard work, vision, energy and partnership. Working with us through that process was Mike Winfield. Mike announced two years ago that he wanted to retire and, as I’m quickly beginning to appreciate, that’s easier said than done.

Mike has served as a Minister in the Government of Bermuda, a Senator and Government Leader in the Senate. He has served on numerous government boards and commissions, was President of the Bermuda Hotel Association – and most recently was instrumental in the small team that helped put the Bermuda Tourism Authority together. We were fortunate that the BTA graciously seconded him to assist in the Bermuda America’s Cup bid.

Mike therefore brings a unique array of skills and experience in both the public and private sectors and I am thus delighted to advise that he has agreed to serve as the CEO and a Director of the ACBDA.

The ACBDA will not become a large, bureaucratic organization. It will be lean and efficient. It has a big job to do in a very limited period of time.

As briefly outlined by the Minister, the ACBDA will:

  • 1. Help to deliver Bermuda commitments under Host venue Agreement with the America’s Cup Event Authority [ACEA]
  • 2. Liaise between the America’s Cup Event Authority [ACEA] and Bermuda
  • 3. Assist the ACEA, Oracle Team USA and challenger teams in relocating to, and operating in, Bermuda
  • 4. Represent Bermuda’s interests across all parties, including defining a positive, long-term legacy
  • 5. Ensure effective communications within the Bermuda community relating to the America’s Cup and the associated impacts and opportunities
  • 6. Raise sponsorship funds to help to offset Bermuda’s commitment

It is important to note that Bermuda is not responsible for the organization and delivery of the actual sailing events. This is the responsibility of the professionals working for the Americas Cup Event Authority [ACEA] although, as I say, our team will be working with them in close coordination.

The ACBDA team will now roll up its sleeves and get to work. … Not everyone will agree with every decision; rarely is that the case in any endeavor. But the people you see standing here before you today are committed to getting this right; acting with urgency while taking a long-term view. They have each proven themselves in their respective fields and endeavors and are ready to go to work in ensuring that Bermuda delivers on our obligations under the Host Venue Agreement and that the promise of the America’s Cup is widely accessed by this community.

Beyond the Board and management team, who will be focused on the governance and oversight of delivering on our commitments, we also plan to tap the energy and experience in the community by forming an Advisory Group. There will be numerous areas and sectors where we will need additional advice and help – such as sailing clubs, transportation, environment, legacy, community engagement, infrastructure, sponsorship, volunteers, etc., and we will invite participation across a wide range of skills and experience. We must and we will leverage the capacity in the Bermuda community to help us pull off this significant effort. Details on this Advisory Group will be forthcoming once we’ve established its priorities and working details.

Before closing, I want to acknowledge RennaisanceRe for donating office space for both the ACBDA, as well as the ACEA, as part of their sponsorship. This will allow us to operate from a central location in Hamilton – and being on the waterfront will make it easy for quick transit to the event village and team bases.

In closing… as we move forward, the thrill of winning the bid to host the America’s Cup is quickly becoming old news. We are now in execution mode, and the delivery of our obligations will be no easy task. For me, defining success is really about visioning ten years from now and observing how the 2017 America’s Cup was a transformational experience for our community. We will work hard to make that a reality.

Thank you for your support as we move forward with this exciting endeavour.

-

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Comments (57)

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  1. agatha christie says:

    To me, one of the key things they mentioned here is communication. So far communication has not been good or inclusive. I do hope they take on board some of the mistakes made so far – concentrating on the legacy media and not being proactive in terms of publicizing jobs or opportunities (ie holding road shows etc).

    IMO I also think they have made a mistake in accepting RenRe’s offer. In order for this to be seen as being an inclusive event that really will benefit the entire community, rent office space from a local landlord.

    I wish them well, I really do and I really cannot wait for the AC to arrive – but you guys need to rethink your strategy otherwise I can foresee that people will have their fears cemented.

    • Creamy says:

      The jobs were “hidden away” yet somehow 700 people applied.

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      Over 700 have figured out how to contact the AC expressing an interest in a job, advertised already or upcoming, & you think they have a communications problem.

      Think again. If you cannot figure out how to contact them by now you are either too late or don’t have the skills to be employable for the most basic of tasks.

      • arthur conan doyle says:

        Why do you have to resort to insults. It’s base and get no-one anywhere. Have you thought how many applied after the story was on Bernews or the ads were in the RG?

        • Triangle Drifter says:

          Nobody came to my door asking if I wanted to be involved. There are plenty ways to find the AC contact information.

          Start with a very simple Google search using…oh…I dunno…Americas Cup Bermuda…maybe? Check the Government department dealing with it. Somebody at one of the yacht clubs could steer you in the right direction.

          It really would not take much motivation to get started, never mind that Bernews & the rest of the media had it all over.

          But no, some want to be spoon fed.

    • sounds right says:

      1) You are commenting on lack of communication on a article outlining in copious detail the set up of this board. Do you not see the irony of that?
      2) The job listings have been in the paper for weeks. If 700 people applied that’s probably a sign that they are communicating the openings sufficiently. Just because you are uninformed doesn’t mean they are not communicating properly.
      3) The RenRe building IS owned by a local land lord.
      4) You have confirmed my belief you can always find a complainer and pessimistic naysayer

      • arthur conan doyle says:

        1. I was commenting on the comms cock-ups that have already been made
        2.The jobs were only advertised some time after being on the Ac.com site and after they had been highlighted on this website
        3. The space is being given for free
        4. I am only pessimistic because I listen to what people are saying, unlike you clearly, who are concerned about the usual suspects benefiting.
        As I said, I want this to succeed but to do so, it must up its game

        • Creamy says:

          Were one of the people that couldn’t manage the two clicks on the AC website to find the job vacancies?

        • brigadooner says:

          …You are seriously critizing the donation of space for a group who is working…also for free…for Bermuda?

          • ya mama says:

            They arent working for bermuda they’ll get richer whilst the rest of us stay poor.

            you think they’re doing this for the love of bermuda?

            You think their services will be free or even cheap?

            Wayadumb?

            The forty thrives ride again

            • sounds right says:

              The board is working for free. Promoting BDA’s interests. I’m sure there they would let you volunteer for something as well, then you can get rich like the other volunteers. (I hope you get the sarcasm in that sentence)

              If you can’t figure out a way to make some money on AC then you’re the dumby

    • BTCHECKER says:

      The jobs were advertised in the royal gazette within that week. Given the lead in time for adverts it seems there was no issue with communication at all. They advertised on their website first and then in the paper. Like most international organisations.

      Agatha – are you going to apologise? I think this would helpful as so far your communications have been one sided and mistake ridden. Perhaps you need to rethink your strategy otherwise I can forsee that people fears about you being a wind up merchant will be cemented

      • arthur conan doyle says:

        There is no need to apologise. I am putting forward a point of view that I know a lot of people agree with. I am not scaremongering, that is quite ridiculous thing to say, I am pointing out where I think the AC has got it wrong so far and simply asking them to up their game. What is wrong with that? I find it very disheartening that people do not understand the need to ensure that everyone is involved and made to feel included. Why is there such a lack of empathy? It’s my last post on this subject – it makes me want to puke.

        • BTCHECKER says:

          oh ok you and Agatha are the same person – I did not realise this.

          Anyway re-read my post you haven’t dealt with any of the points. Main one being there is no way the AC can up their game. They are a new entity who are actively seeking Bermudian employees, and are clearly getting their message out through multiple media outlets.

          You on the other hand deflect by saying these responses are personal attacks show a lack of empathy and criticise the AC for not including everyone. Well we don’t know you personally so that is nonsense, I have empathy for all those in San diego who won’t get the benefit of AC35, and you comment about inclusiveness is utterly ridiculous. They literally started recuiretment a week ago. You are jumping to preconceived prejudices which lance through every single one of your posts. hopefully members of the AC are too busy recruiting bermudians to read your comments and their taint on the rest of us.

          This is not my last post on the subject – it also makes me hungry.

    • Mockingjay says:

      700 applicants, 77 Million of tax payers money for a 2017 trickle down MIRACLE.
      Something about those 7′s !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • brian smith says:

      Accepting the offer from ren re is benefiting a local land lord. Ren re don’t own the space they are donating, they are paying a local landlord!!!

    • Mockingjay says:

      Dec 2012 cant believe 2 years of S!@# slipped by so fast.

  2. arthur conan doyle says:

    700 applications? I really hope that out of that many, there are 12 who are suitable.

  3. Cow Polly says:

    701 now :-)

  4. MA$E says:

    Another set of older grey haired Bermudians talking about the ” the future ” Not one person under 40 on the BTA or the ACBDA boards.The Cultural narrative of New York ,Toronto, London is dominated by 25 – 40 year olds Gen X and Millennials. This middle aged only stuff may work for the boardroom but if Bermuda wants cultural relevance its not going to come with a room full of Baby Boomers making all the decisions.

    this retirement home tourism approach needs to end.

    • Creamy says:

      And yet it was experienced people who got the AC here in the first place, not 24 year olds.

      • MA$E says:

        oh you mean the same Americas Cup that needed to pay NBC to carry its race from San Francisco ? the same America’s Cup that is struggling for cultural relevance much like Bermuda.
        Nobody is trying trying to downplay the importance of experience in the execution of an event like this but if this event is to be a success it needs to gain the interest among a younger demo that has all but abandoned sailing as a sport.

        • Triangle Drifter says:

          Some weekend take a look out in Hamilton Harbour & see who is out there in little sailboats rain, blow or shine. Find out which little tiny island is making its presence felt in junior sailing way beyond its population size.

        • Creamy says:

          So what would a bunch of 24 year olds bring to the table? An in depth knowledge of video games?

          • Self says:

            Silly comment. My daughter is 24 (25 in a couple months) and has a Master’s Degree. I don’t think she has ever played a video game in her life.
            Obviously, at that age they don’t have a lot of wordly experience but many are well educated. Your comment is generalizing, stereotyping, and sounds quite ridiculous.

            • Everytime you hear... says:

              Educated and knowledgeable are two different things. Unfortunately lots of jobs require their applicants to be able to hit the ground running. Your average educated 20+ is still working on amassing that experience. My guess is that these positions’ tasks will include little time for hand holding as there is so much to do. 2017 will be here before you know it and with so much at stake; I totally understand the need to put emphasis on people with applicable experience in the tasks required.

              • Self says:

                That’s not the point I was making. My point related to Creamy’s statement that a 24 year old’s knowledge is on video games. That was unfair as there are many people that age that are professionals. My 24 year old has done and seen more at her age than some sixty year olds have seenin a lifetime. I wwouldn’t expect a 24 year old to sit on this board, but Creamy’s comment was plain silly.

            • Creamy says:

              No, the silly comments were Mase, who thinks the AC should be handled by people with no experience. Because they have “cultural relevance” whatever the eff that is supposed to mean.

    • just the facts says:

      It’s amazing to me how people throw out definitive statements as if they are fact. The BTA has a number of team members (at least 8 by my count) managing significant areas of responsibility who are under the age of 40. Male & female, ALL Bermudian. ALL well educated and most with advanced degrees in their field. They also have a couple of young Bermudian men (black males – before you ask), under the age of 30, who are learning the ropes and being groomed for leadership positions. How do I know? I asked and saw for myself.

      • MA$E says:

        read it again. i said Board members.

        • Spectator says:

          Board members are “responsible for the oversight and governance of the company and to ensure it carries out its operational responsibilities in a fair and effective manner.” People are put on boards because they are experienced, knowledgeable and understand governance. Operational people execute events.

    • Mockingjay says:

      Friends and family and surrogates.

  5. Ricko Chez says:

    There are still bound to be entitled Bermudians who sit and moan because nobody came around to their front door and personally offered them a job on a silver platter.

    Some people think they are so spashul!

  6. St. D says:

    Very exciting. Glad to see a range of people on the Board. Let’s get started!

  7. Self says:

    Isn’t Ms. Smith a top civil servant with an already bloated salary? Is she taking a leave of absence? If not, is she attending meetings on her own time? If not, is she attending meetings on Government time and getting paid? No hater comments please, I genuinely would like to know.

    • Spectator says:

      Jasmin Smith has been seconded to the ACBDA and Ministry of Economic Development from the Ministry of Transport. This was stated in the release above.

      • Triangle Drifter says:

        That does not answer the question but the assumption is that, yes, she IS getting paid by the taxpayer even though she is NOT doing Government work.

        Nice to be getting paid anyway but even more telling is that it looks like she is not that busy with regular work if there is time for a secondary position somewhere else.

  8. Dread says:

    Some of these people make a living off the taxpayers.

  9. Trulytruly says:

    The Minister said the Board members “kindly agreed to serve pro-bono”

    Part of you question answered.

    • Self says:

      On whose time? If a civil servant (such as Ms Smith) does this during working hours, then there is nothing pro bono about it. If she’s doing it on her own time, then kudos to her.

      • Spectator says:

        It helps to read the release: “Jasmin was the key Government representative on Bermuda’s America’s Cup Bid team and is currently the Director of Transport Control. Jasmin will be moving from the Ministry of Tourism Development and Transport to the Ministry of Economic Development on March 1st on a secondment basis. She will be lead liaison between the ACBDA and Government and represent the Government on the Board.”

      • Creamy says:

        You evidently don’t understand the idea behind pro bono.

        They’re doing it voluntarily and for no payment. Of course it will involve work during working hours.

        Just like union meetings are during working hours.

        It’s like talking to children sometimes.

        • Cardine Alice says:

          They are receiving a salary, seconded or otherwise. That’s not pro bono.

          • Creamy says:

            Yes it is.

            • Self says:

              @ Creamy
              No it is not. If she if seconded to another dept, she is still getting paid. This just becomes part of her work duties. She’s not doing it for free.

              • Spectator says:

                Correct. To be absolutely precise, all the Board members except Jasmin Smith are serving pro bono. Jasmin, who played a critical role in the bid process, will continue on her government salary.

              • sounds right says:

                That’s one person out of the board.

              • Creamy says:

                Anyone doing something pro bono still draws their normal salary. A lawyer doing pro bono work still gets paid by his firm.

  10. Bermuda123 says:

    Stop beating up on Jasmin Smith. Would you prefer that the Ministry had no representative on the Board?

    • Self says:

      Nobody is beating up on her. It’s just amazing how when people mess up, they just get switched to another lucrative position. In the real world they would be fired. Irrelevant’s comment says it all.

  11. Irrelevant says:

    Jasmin Smith and Billy Griffith presided over the decline of our `tourism product for over 10 years, he is now gone and so should she