The Bermuda Tourism Authority was forced to face the results of a damning assessment of culture within the organisation in March.

The review, commissioned after an exodus of staff under chief executive Tracy Berkeley, found that the culture of the organisation was viewed by employees as unprofessional, domineering, lacking accountability and trust, and one in which they felt “siloed”.

The results sparked a rapid change of leadership within the quango, along with promises of action.

Wayne Caines, the BTA chairman, quit the body in February, a month before the report was released to the public.

William Griffiths, a former Director of Tourism, was subsequently named acting chairman.

Meanwhile, Ms Berkeley, who had led the organisation since June 2022, was placed on administrative leave before the end of March and subsequently tendered her resignation.

Tashae Thompson, the quango’s vice-president of experiences, was also understood to have been placed on administrative leave and later formally departed the organisation.

A source told The Royal Gazette that despite the results of the review, some within the body believed Ms Berkeley had been made a scapegoat — and they also spoke highly of Ms Thompson’s work.

In December 2024, Owen Darrell, the tourism minister, ordered a report into “allegations of serious workplace issues” after the ministry received numerous complaints of workplace bullying, harassment and unprofessional interactions.

It was reported that 30 people left the BTA in little more than 2½ years, including 23 staff members who resigned or left through mutual separation between June 1, 2022 and January 8, 2025.

The report, prepared by EY, said: “Mistrust, unprofessional, domineering and siloed were [the words] consistently used when interviewees described the culture at the BTA.

“Additionally, respondents indicated that there is a lack of accountability within the organisation, both at a work-performance level and from behaviours that were seen as unprofessional and domineering.

“This was coupled with the sentiment that processes and procedures related to raising issues or concerns lacked consistency, integrity, accountability and confidentiality.”

The report said all 35 staff at the BTA were surveyed last November and 80 per cent responded, with the results identifying a need for “more transparency and accountability from leadership”.

A statement from the BTA board, released alongside the report, said: “The board expresses its deep concern and acknowledges and accepts the disappointing failing grade given in the culture review.

“Furthermore, the board takes responsibility for any operational failings that may have resulted in a significant exodus of employees over a three-year period.”

The BTA board later announced the commencement of “an extensive human resources audit and cultural reset initiative, marking the next phase in its commitment to fostering a strong, transparent and inclusive workplace culture”.

Meanwhile, an HR consultancy firm was engaged to carry out a thorough assessment.

A Pati request by The Royal Gazette subsequently revealed that four former BTA employees had received $603,400 in total as part of settlement packages or separation agreements between January 2022 and January 2025.

In July, the BTA announced the conclusion of its internal investigation, including the HR audit, and “the beginning of a transformative new chapter”.

The body said that it had launched a “comprehensive internal review of performance management and compensation structures” with a “revised staff incentive philosophy” to launch before the start of the next fiscal year.

Mr Griffiths said the body had “confronted difficult truths and taken clear action”, and the focus was now on improving efficiency and delivering results for Bermuda while launching a search for the next CEO.

He added: “The BTA board remains committed to transparency, the work continues and we are optimistic about what lies ahead.”

The BTA later said that it had received “significant interest” in the post, with almost 80 people from six continents applying.