Confusion arose concerning the fate of a Visitor Information Centre employee.

It was reported in Tuesday's Royal Gazette that the sole employee of the VIC at the L.F. Wade International location has been offered to transfer to the St. George's location as the contract for the airport location ended the last day of March.

Director of Tourism, Billy Griffith, told this newspaper that specific location will now be self-manned and tourists will still be able to obtain information on the Island but without the assistance of a physical presence.

Shadow Minister Michael Dunkley contradicted the statement by Mr. Griffith saying he had received different information concerning the worker's employment status. He said: "I have been told that the Bermudian Ambassador who works at the VIC at the airport, up until (Tuesday) morning, did not have a job. She was told that March 31st was her last day.

"This is contrary to the information provided by Mr. Griffith but my information is that E. Michael Jones, who has the concession for the East End VIC, informed the employee of the bad news a few days ago. I hope, based on the comments of Mr. Griffith, that there has been a change of heart as the employment of this person."

Mr. Dunkley added: "The Visitor Information Centres have played a valuable role in ensuring that our visitors enjoy their time in Bermuda and get to see what the Island has to offer.

"The change a couple of years ago proved to be ineffective and has not helped highlight and promote the attractions the Island has to offer."

He said he was pleased to know that the VIC will return to the Ferry Terminal at the Chamber of Commerce, which is the high traffic area.

"We are disappointed that in the highest traffic area on the Island, L. F. Wade International Airport, we will not have a physical presence," said the Senator.

Mr. Jones said however, that the employee was informed of the transition at the beginning of the month. He said: "She was told on March 1st that that department will no longer have a desk staff and that we would make every effort to ensure she would have a position at the St. George's office."

"(Further into the month) I offered her the position to which she agreed." he added: "I look forward to seeing her there."

When asked the reason for the closing of the Airport location, Mr. Jones said: "It is a decision made by the Department of Tourism, I simply provided staff for the VIC."

In a follow-up conversation with Mr. Dunkley, he said: "I stand by my statement. This change was handled very poorly and I feel that once this situation became public knowledge, they began moving around the chess pieces to cover up. You have to be careful about how you treat people."