The Bermuda Employers' Council (BEC) 50th Anniversary Gala Banquet has been cancelled due to the imminent threat of Hurricane Igor this weekend.

The event, which was scheduled for Saturday, would have been held at the Fairmont Southampton.

Graham Redford, president of the BEC, said: "This is disappointing especially given the fact that we were going to be launching both the Malcolm Dixon Scholarship and the Bermuda Business Hall of Fame.

"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but we are sure that all parties will understand that this decision had to be made in the interest of safety for all.

"The BEC will be reviewing alternative arrangements for the celebratory event including the launching of the Malcolm Dixon Scholarship and the Bermuda Business Hall of Fame and will in due course contact all sponsors, members and ticket holders, individually with this information.

"We are pleased to announce that due to the fact that we had already purchased flowers for the event, these will now be distributed to a variety of care facilities and seniors residential care facilities around the Island in the coming days.

"We trust that they will bring happiness to all who receive them, and we would like to thank all of our partners in this event for their continued support and understanding."

For more information contact Martin Law, executive director of the BEC on 295-5070 or email mlaw@bec.bm