Tourism Minister Renee Webb said yesterday she has demanded a full investigation into the litany of complaints made against her by staff because most are “totally false” and call her integrity into question.

She said the letter of complaint against her to Cabinet Secretary John Drinkwater was full of unjustified personal attacks from disgruntled staff who resent the fact she is restructuring tourism.

Ms Webb flatly denied the allegation that she demanded staff stand up when she walks in the room.

In a letter of complaint to Mr. Drinkwater, written by the Bermuda Public Services Association, staff allege - among other things - that Ms Webb is vindictive, holds a grudge, is disrespectful, has a constantly changing personality, and is difficult to work with because she often reschedules meetings several times a day.

They also question the cost of her attending every overseas Tourism meeting, and say costs run up because of unforeseen projects started by Ms Webb.

Ms Webb told The Royal Gazette yesterday: “I responded to the comments made about me by the staff and in my response I asked (John Drinkwater) for a full investigation and I am waiting for that full investigation.

“I wanted this because most of the allegations are totally false. Why else would I want it? I have nothing to hide.

“I am working on the restructuring of an area of the economy that needs serious redress. Part of that redress is looking at how things are done in tourism internally and abroad.

“We are restructuring and looking at ways we can deliver services, efficiency and the whole running of tourism.

“It is a systemic restructuring method and some people will get their nose out of joint, and that's fine.

“I have no problem with people questioning what I have done from a structural change point of view and from the point of view of addressing tourism.

“But what I will not stand for is personal attacks on me because that brings my integrity into question, and as a consequence of these personal attacks, I have demanded a full investigation.”

It is protocol within the civil service for staff to stand when their minister enters the room, but in the letter from Tourism staff to Mr. Drinkwater - written on their behalf by the Bermuda Public Services Union - they ask where this comes from.

Ms Webb said: “I have never asked anyone to stand. It is customary for people to stand, and if they don't I have never said ‘stand'.

“When I was first introduced to that Department as Minister, there was a meeting. I walked into that meeting with (former Director of Tourism) Judith Hall Bean and Judith asked them to stand.

“Some did, some didn't, some rolled their eyes, and that is the only incident of that taking place.

“Some people resent standing for Ministers. I didn't write the protocol, but I have never asked anyone to stand.

“All of this was just personal attacks on me, which I will not tolerate.

“It (the investigation) has to be done. I won't comment on the allegations specifically, but I wait with interest to see how it unfolds because tourism needs to change.”