Former Bermuda Public Services Union secretary Eugene Blakeney has stepped down from the chairmanship of the Visitor Industry Partnership.

After six years in the job, Mr. Blakeney has decided to pursue other interests and spend more time with his family.

At a presentation last week at Elbow Beach Hotel, VIP spokeswoman Stacey Evans said that it had been a "distinct honour" to work alongside him while thanking him for being "such a tremendous mentor and friend".

"You have touched the lives of so many people just by recognising their accomplishments and taking time to sit down and thank them personally."

Barbara O'Shaughnessy of the Bermuda College has taken over the VIP chair while John Harvey of the Bermuda Hotel Association has been appointed deputy chair.