Questions have been raised over the future of union leader Derrick Burgess following media reports that he could be retiring within the next 12 months.

Shadow Labour Minister Maxwell Burgess confirmed reports last night that the president of the Bermuda Industrial Union let slip at last week?s annual union banquet that it was the last he would be attending. The Shadow Minister said Mr. Burgess?s implication appeared to be clear ? that he would be moving on.

Derrick Burgess, a well known labour leader in the Caribbean and international arena, became president of the BIU in 1996, defeating his opponent Chris Furbert by just three votes. Previously, Mr. Burgess was the vice president of the union?s hotel division.

On taking over in 1996 he noted that union membership was flagging due to general satisfaction among workers. Just a year later he claimed that, under his leadership members were becoming more active again.

Mr. Burgess?s career in the hotel industry spanned more than two decades, including management positions at Grotto Bay and Palmetto Bay hotels.

He tossed his hat into the political arena in 1998, winning a by-election as a PLP candidate in the old district of Hamilton East, further strengthening the bond between the labour movement and its political representatives. He is currently a Government backbencher representing District 5. Former union leader Ottiwell Simmons is also a Government backbencher.

Last night Maxwell Burgess said Bermuda owes an enormous debt of gratitude to Derrick Burgess and his tireless activism.

Admitting he has not yet spoken with his namesake about what was hinted at the banquet, Maxwell Burgess said that if Derrick Burgess is in fact retiring as leader of the BIU, Bermudians must be crystal clear in their recognition of what the union leader had achieved for the country.

?The relationship between the hotel industry and the BIU today is different from the one he inherited,? Mr. Burgess said. ?He and (Bermuda Hotel Association leader) John Harvey both need to be commended.

?If they had not worked together and reconciled, the tourism industry that we now complain about would officially be dead.

?To the extent that it is recovering is due almost single-handedly to them.?

Derrick Burgess himself is off the Island this week and could not be contacted by last night. Other union leaders, including the BIU?s deputy leader Chris Furbert and general secretary Molly Burgess could not be reached for comment while former BIU leader Ottiwell Simmons was unable to comment.