Bermuda may be perceived as a "civil rights pariah'' as a result of the World Conference Of Mayors controversy, according to a local organising group.

Bermuda Forum, one of the World Conference Of Mayors' (WCOM) title sponsors, yesterday released the findings of an inquiry surrounding the row between the Bermuda Department of Tourism and WCOM organiser Bonnie Marshall.

Ms Marshall came into the spotlight when the Department of Tourism refused to pay up $65,000 in sponsorship until she presented a detailed marketing plan.

The row escalated until the department refused to work with Ms Marshall -- but have continued their support for the conference through direct dealings with WCOM founder Johnny Ford.

Ms Marshall and her company have threatened the Department of Tourism with legal action for breach of contract, suggesting that Government staff may be racist.

Ms Marshall has also accused the department for conducting an illegal investigation into her background -- which tourism chiefs have denied.

And The Royal Gazette revealed a few weeks ago that Ms Marshall had been involved in several lawsuits in the US -- one which claimed racial harassment and breach of contract.

But Bermuda Forum CEO Corin Smith warned that Bermuda may be perceived as a "civil rights pariah'' if Government refuses payment of Ms Marshall's marketing expenses.

The initial agreement, in which the department would provide up to $100,000 to the WCOM to pay for promoting the event has now been scrapped -- with the department now responsible for promoting the conference.

Mr. Smith stated: "Based on the Bermuda Department's behaviour, it may be reasonably concluded that they have refused to contract with Ms Marshall because she has a history of defending her civil rights under American law.'' Mr. Smith stated that the Forum's findings were based on Tourism's decision to contract with Ms Marshall -- and then "arbitrarily'' discontinue negotiations.

He stated: "Other major organisations -- including hotels, airlines, and sponsors -- have seen fit to contract with Ms Marshall despite these allegations.

"There is a statistical and anecdotal evidence to suggest that the Bermuda Department of Tourism has a track record of systematically discriminating against African-American travellers, organisations and agencies.'' Mr. Smith said if the department continues to pursue its present course, "it will not bode well for Bermuda within the African-American community''.

"This is the exact reason why it was necessary for the Bermuda Forum to be involved -- we do not want the business opportunities for Bermudians to be hampered by the poor judgment of their public officials,'' he said.

Tourism Minister David Dodwell was unavailable for comment.

TOURISM TOU