Government is committing $80,000 annually to Bermuda International Race Weekend - but Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) must account for it.

Addressing a Press conference yesterday to conclude the almost week-long furore concerning whether the event would be cancelled or not, Tourism Minister Ewart Brown left no room for misinterpretation on the contentious issue.

“The money that Government provides towards sponsorship is taxpayers' money and therefore we are accountable and anywhere we send that money the accountability process must follow,” he said, speaking in the Cabinet Office.

“So the BTFA is clear that we expect that the accounting and the accountability will be first class.”

Clarifying the source of funds, Brown said $40,000 - which initially came from his ministry's budget - was last year the Sports Ministry's responsibility but, this year, “is moving back to tourism” while the other $40,000 has been redirected from the Great Bermuda Walking Marathon which, he said, is not as popular now.

The minister also announced the start of an intensive effort to increase prize money, thereby attracting top international names here.

“It's $80,000 or more if we can get it. As minister, I am going to try and get more for this event. We're moving to build on something. We don't have to invent anything.

“So we're going to do everything to put heads in beds. That's our job in tourism. So, as far as we're concerned, the longevity is guaranteed.

“Whatever amount of money is required to make Bermuda International Race Weekend a success will be found and provided.”

His upbeat remarks came after six days of uncertainty following the BTFA's revelation last Thursday that they were cancelling the athletics showpiece in January because they were unable to raise $130,000 in sponsorship. Simultaneously, successful athletes revealed they had not been paid for the last two editions of the running series.

However, Government's $80,000 - double its accustomed contribution - and a $50,000 gift from well-known benefactor David Barber have saved Race Weekend.

Thanking Barber for his monetary intervention, Brown also encouraged hotels to offer complimentary accommodation for elite runners as incentive for the world's best athletes to compete here and boost the event's profile internationally.

BTFA director Wayne Raynor said the donations “just about cover everything” unless somebody qualifies for a bonus, by breaking a record, in which case they would require more cash.

“Hopefully we can get additional sponsorship to cover those things. We're hoping the corporate community will respond.”

Regarding why past or potential sponsors refused to be associated with the prestigious, three-day series, Raynor hinted at discord between the BTFA and such persons or companies.

“There is a line between sponsorship and organising the running of the race and sometimes people wanted to cross those boundaries,” he disclosed.

As for the BTFA's tardiness in disbursing prize cheques, he acknowledged they were at fault but sought to explain their delinquency and assure the situation had been rectified.

“Cheques to local athletes went out last week Friday. Payments to any other participants from prior years have also been disbursed. So all athletes should have received the winnings they are entitled to.

“We (BTFA personnel) are basically all volunteers. This year we had an added event, Carifta, thrust on us and it (paying winners) was just something we didn't get around to.

“You also need to understand we cannot pay out the prize money immediately because we have to wait for the drug tests to come back. That takes a couple weeks and all that said, yes, we were still late in getting their funds out.

“I don't make any excuses. We were a little slow in getting that done,” Raynor admitted.

Responding to the BTFA being branded “sports terrorists” by Sports Minister Dale Butler, the athletics official noted the minister is entitled to his opinion and that sometimes people have “to agree to disagree”.

While stating he could not speak for Butler, Brown said his colleague had the event at heart.

“The minister wants to have the matter cleared up. The minister wants to enjoy a positive, productive relationship with the BTFA and all the (sporting) organisations,” he declared optimistically.

Butler, who was not present, later expressed relief that Race Weekend would go ahead as planned. However, he cautioned sports organisation from operating like the BTFA has on this matter.

“They (sporting bodies) have to have a broader vision that will avoid cliffhangers like this,” he said.

Both Brown and Raynor were confident the recent hiccups would not affect Race Weekend's smooth running, noting they had already started informing overseas contacts that the event is definitely on.

Asked why BTFA opted to issue a cancellation Press release when both ministers Brown and Butler thought negotiations were still proceeding, Raynor said: “We wanted it to be made known to the general public that without additional funding we would not be able to put the event on.”

Pressed further about if it didn't occur to them to inform Government of their stance before going public and possibly pre-empt last week's uproar, he responded: “We are an organisation. We run ourselves and that was the decision we took.”

Raynor also disclosed that BTFA president Judy Simmons - who in April announced she would have nothing further to do with Race Weekend - will in fact now “be essentially involved” in it.

“I think she was tired and frustrated. We do need assistance. We don't have an administrator and it's a lot of work,” said the director, offering explanation for Simmons' statement.