A former chief executive of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce has admitted dishonestly receiving a money transfer for $15,725.

Danielle Riviere admitted obtaining the transfer by deception when she appeared in Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

The 48-year-old, from Pembroke, committed the offence — which she initially denied — on September 27 and was terminated as the chamber’s chief executive for “serious misconduct relating to financial matters” less than a month later.

Riviere later posted on social media: “In response to the story and comments, 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.”

A new chief executive has since been appointed to the chamber.

Magistrate Auralee Cassidy ordered a social inquiry report to be written for Riviere, adjourned the case to June 9 for sentencing and extended bail until that time.

A charge that Riviere used a chamber vendor’s invoice form that she knew was or may have been “misleading, false or deceptive” in order to gain “furnished information” on September 24, which she denied, will remain on file until the hearing in June.

A spokeswoman for the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce said yesterday evening: “As this matter is before the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment further on the judicial process.

“However, the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce remains focused on moving forward and continuing to serve the interests of Bermuda’s business community with integrity, transparency and a renewed commitment to good governance.”

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