Shawn Crockwell has rubbished Opposition concerns that civil servants working for the Department of Tourism could be out of a job when a new, non-governmental body takes over the running of the industry.

The newly formed Bermuda Tourism Authority is expected to be up and running by the end of next month following a Government pledge to transfer the management of the sector into the hands of private experts.

Government has since given assurances that civil servants previously employed by the Tourism Ministry will be given an “exclusive period” to apply for posts in the new organisation, while any staff not taken on will be offered alternative positions elsewhere within the Civil Service.

Yesterday Wayne Furbert, the Shadow Minister for Tourism, asked Government to confirm that current employees were being given the opportunity to apply for posts within the Tourism Authority.

He also called on the Minister of Tourism to reveal how many Department of Tourism staff had been hired by the new Authority, how many had been unsuccessful, and whether or not unsuccessful applicants had been offered new jobs within Government.

“In 2012 the OBA repeatedly promised that civil servant jobs would be secure,” Mr Furbert said.

“In 2014, Bermudians in the Tourism Department are beginning to see what an OBA promise is really worth — nothing.

“The PLP are very concerned that Bermudians who have worked tirelessly to promote our country and restore our economy are being callously pushed aside. What is particularly disturbing is that the do-nothing Minister of Tourism has been silent on protecting Bermudian jobs within Bermuda Department of Tourism.

“Promises should mean something and the OBA promise to protect Bermudian civil servant jobs is one that must be kept.”

But last night Mr Crockwell hit back, claiming that all current staff will be offered jobs either with the Authority or within the Civil Service.

“The Government’s position on the job security of the staff at the Bermuda Department of Tourism has never changed,” he said.

“All staff who are not employed with the Bermuda Tourism Authority will be offered positions within the Civil Service. The application process for the Bermuda Department of Tourism staff to be employed at the Authority is complete and we are still notifying individuals of their status. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment on any specifics at this time.

“The Government and the Authority remain committed to this transition which we are confident is best for Bermuda.”