The new general manager of the Department of Airport Operations (DAO) spoke out this week in defence of a $35,000 bash held two weeks ago to celebrate the airport being named “Best in North America”.

General manager James Howes said he was dismayed to read editorials and reports critical of the Airport Appreciation Day held July 24 after the facility learned of its rankings in the International Air Transport Associations survey.

The Minister of Transport fell under heavy criticism from Opposition politicians for spending $35,000 in public funds to fete the 1,000-odd staffers who included the fire service, weather service, flight agents and general airport personnel.

Mr. Howes told The Royal Gazette both staff members and the general public expressed disappointment that negative press on the bash overshadowed the tremendous achievement realised by the small airport.

“I think the importance of Bermuda International Airport's achievement cannot be over-emphasised and certainly deserves more recognition than a paycheque alone can convey,” Mr. Howes wrote in a Letter to the Editor. “Think of it, among some 700 commercial airports in the world, thousands of international travellers picked Bermuda Airport's staff as the best in the world for courtesy and helpfulness.

“Also, in spite of heavy competition from many excellent airports, the same survey ranked Bermuda airport as number four in the world overall for leisure travellers and number nine overall by all travellers.”

Minister of Transport Dr. Ewart Brown originally suggested funding for the party was “scraped” from various parts of the Ministry Budget but Mr. Howes said it actually came directly from the DAO promotions budget and fell “well within” that amount.

“We have a promotions budget every year,” he said.

“We decided to retool it in light of the awards the airport received.”

He said the promotions budget is approved for “public relations activity, refreshments, Airport Fun Day, give-away T-shirts” and others items.

“For these reasons, the Airport Appreciation Day (which included team building exercises, T-shirts promoting the airport and label pins) was planned to coincide with our advertisements in The Royal Gazette trumpeting the airport's award,” Mr. Howes continued in his letter.

“Funny the editorial didn't mention the money spent on that.”

He added: “Certainly, employees should be friendly and perform their duties conscientiously as a matter of course.

“But, human nature being what it is, astute management in any large organisation realises that there is far more to motivating employees in the pursuit of excellence than a paycheque alone.

“When employees see that their work has importance as part of a larger mission and is deeply appreciated, the desire to perform above and beyond minimum expectations is reinforced and encouraged.

“To expect this kind of outstanding performance and be recognised as an industry leader just doesn't happen automatically.”