The Tourism Minister for The Bahamas has defended Government's outsourcing of overseas tourism jobs, saying it is now a global practice within the industry.

Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace told delegates at the 4th International African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference: "I see some of the travail the Premier has gone through with the (New York) tourism office, and when you look around the world at tourism offices, Bermuda is late (in outsourcing). There are so many changes in the world, you have to do things on behalf of the people, to make us (governments) deliver in the most effective way.

"We must do that which is in the best interests of the population rather than to be seen in any shape or form to be coddling a particular group of people."

Mr. Vanderpool-Wallace was speaking in support of Government following a backlash from unions and employees over the decision to outsource several sales positions at the New York tourism office to US company Sales Focus. According to one employee, 12 positions are to be retained in the Overseas Tourism Office but staff will have to reapply for their jobs.

Due to the restructuring, at least eight of 20 members of staff will have to accept redundancy or apply for a position back on the Island with the civil service.

The Bermuda Public Services Union has now applied for a judicial review of the proposed restructuring and job losses.