The former chief executive of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce has apologised and admitted transferring more than $15,000 into her personal account.

In a Facebook comment made after The Royal Gazettepublished a story about her firing for “serious misconduct”, Danielle Riviere said: “I apologise for disappointing those who have trusted and supported me over time.

“I have always tried to own my mistakes, so today I will try to do the same. I made the worst decision and mistake of my life in a moment of weakness and desperation and transferred just over $15,000 to a personal account.

“Even though I regretted my actions immediately, there is no excuse. I sincerely apologise to the staff, board, members of the chamber and even the community of Bermuda.”

Efforts to contact Ms Riviere for further comment were not successful as of press time last night.

A spokesman for the Bermuda Police Service confirmed yesterday that a complaint had been received from the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.

“That complaint is now under investigation,” the spokesman added. “No further information will be provided.”

Ms Riviere was removed from the CEO post on Wednesday, 20 months into the job, after the chamber identified “financial irregularities“.

Marico Thomas, the president of the chamber, told the Gazette that the termination was related to “serious misconduct relating to financial matters”.

He added: “The internal controls of the chamber quickly identified the financial irregularities. The matter was investigated and will be referred to the police.

“The chamber takes its leadership position within the community seriously and feels that setting an example about how such matters should be handled is important.”

Ms Riviere earlier served as the first programme manager for The Centre on Philanthropy.

She was with the centre for seven years, developing its volunteer programme as well as its extensive training and education platform.

Ms Riviere left in 2013 to become an independent consultant for OD Solutions before she returned to The Centre on Philanthropy in 2017 as interim executive director.

She assumed the permanent role the following year until the fundraising group closed in 2019.

In January 2021, Ms Riviere became the first executive director of the Institute of Directors Bermuda Branch.

She was unveiled as the new CEO for the chamber in January 2023.

• On occasion The Royal Gazette may decide to not allow comments on what we consider to be a controversial or contentious story. As we are legally liable for any libellous or defamatory comments made on our website, this move is for our protection as well as that of our readers