The hiring of an international firm to identify candidates for the Tourism Authority board raises questions about the Tourism Authority, according to Shadow Tourism Minister Wayne Furbert.Chairman designate of the Authority David Dodwell announced last week that the Executive Steering Committee had hired Korn Ferry, an executive search firm, to identify a “shortlist” of candidates for the new board. The firm will also review and appoint the first chief executive officer.Responding to the news, Mr Furbert asked for Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell to detail the tendering process used to select the firm, the cost of contracting the firm, and if the steering committee was created by the Ministry of Tourism or the current board.He also asked if the post of CEO of the Authority has been advertised overseas prior to “qualified, capable Bermudians being given the opportunity to apply”.“Many of us have come to understand that ‘we need the best talent’ is often coded language for Bermudians need not apply,” Mr Furbert said.“While there are instances where we have not produced Bermudians with the expertise or experience to fill certain posts, we must however stay vigilant to ensure that the process of hiring the CEO for the Tourism Authority is open, transparent and fair.“At present, the OBA’s handling of the transition from a Bermuda Department of Tourism to a Tourism Authority has been defined by a lack of openness and transparency, questions of political cronyism and air of unease and uncertainty. Bermuda deserves better.”