Dear Sir,

For the life of me I cannot figure out why the success of the Bermuda Tourism Authority under the leadership of Bill Hanbury is not a desirable thing, except for perceived political advantage by the enemies of recovery of this country as a first-class tourist resort.

The idea of a Tourism Authority was mooted and believed in passionately by Wayne Furbert and Kim Swan in another life, but who do not appear to champion the initiative under the One Bermuda Alliance Government.

No amount of heartfelt pleas by Mr Hanbury to leave the BTA out of the rancorous arena of politics seem to gain any traction.

Negative vitriol spewed on talk shows — that are live streamed beyond our shores, with references that we are boring, lack entertainment and are overpriced — is seen as free speech and the fact that we are sabotaging efforts by talented Bermudians at the BTA is given short shrift.

It is incredible that a segment of our community of Bermudians do not see the need for discipline when spouting often misinformed opinions and excoriate the BTA over radio that proudly exclaims it can be heard on the web everywhere.

The now popular term of surrogates is aimed at OBA supporters — do they actually believe it does not apply to PLP supporters as well?

We have a wonderful Island and a glorious product that is worth a few dollars more in an intensely competitive market for vacationers.

Our guests love our pristine Island, beautiful beaches and the fact we are mostly free of panhandlers and aggressive street businesses that are annoying and in your face.

Many Bermudians who did not possess college degrees worked in the hospitality industry and earned very good salaries during the heydays of tourism.

The glory days may be behind us but not all is lost if we give support to the effort at revival and job creation for employment-starved locals.

Fair criticism is to be encouraged but the selling of our product in the best possible light is paramount.

If the BTA is successful, and I choose to believe they can be, it is to be remembered that talented citizens of this country who are professionals will have had an important role to play.

We will eventually know Mr Hanbury’s salary and we must not hinder his remit to deliver by cutting his legs off in the arena he has to compete in for our benefit.

Optimism for tourism needs to be the mantra going forward and the BTA cannot thrive in an atmosphere of intense political negativity and second guessing by the power of public radio replete with divisive rhetoric.

WAYNE B SCOTT