Hamilton’s hosting of the National Conference of Black Mayors is greatly in doubt, according to both the City and Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy, who said he is “assessing the situation”.

“At this stage, it is highly unlikely the event will proceed,” Senator Fahy said — a verdict that was confirmed by a spokesman for mayor Graeme Outerbridge’s administration.

Vanessa Williams, the purported head of the United States organisation delivering the event, has insisted that the convention is to go ahead next month.

However, the City has requested an accounting of the funds already sent to the NCBM.

The full sum paid out thus far to the Atlanta-based organisation is unknown, but documents obtained by The Royal Gazette last year said the gathering was initially budgeted for $100,000.

Neither the City nor Sen Fahy responded to questions over whether they had been in touch with Ms Williams, however.

Contacted recently by this newspaper, the NCBM’s executive director maintained that the international gathering would run in Bermuda from April 12 to 16.