Shadow Tourism Minister Zane DeSilva has criticised a recent trip by Government ministers to New York, and their refusal so far to disclose the trip’s cost.

In a statement, Mr DeSilva said: “The public has a right to know why it was necessary for Premier [Michael] Dunkley, Ministers Grant Gibbons and Shawn Crockwell, and Senator Jeff Baron to participate in this New York junket and how much Bermudians paid for it.

“In light of [Finance] Minister Bob Richards’ recent comments dismissing the needs of Bermuda’s seniors, and Minister Wayne Scott dismissing the concerns and needs of the Centre Against Abuse, the OBA must explain how they continue to be make funds available consistently for these types of excursions.

“The Premier’s refusal to disclose whether taxpayers footed the bill and at what cost while also refusing to disclose who he met with is reminiscent of his disgraced predecessor. This is the same lack of openness, transparency and accountability that led to former Premier Cannonier’s resignation and caused immeasurable harm to Bermuda’s reputation.

“Premier Dunkley and the OBA ran on a campaign of austerity, openness, accountability and transparency, yet he continues to operate as though he and the OBA are above the rules that apply to the rest of us and Bermuda is watching.”

Mr DeSilva also said the issue raised the question about a gap in what the Government says and does, noting that the OBA had fiercely challenged any travel by PLP ministers while in Opposition.

During this week’s trip, the group of Ministers and Bermuda Tourism Authority CEO Bill Hanbury reportedly took part in a media breakfast with outlets including the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, attended the launch of a luxury Bermuda perfume and met with unspecified “top-tier business entities”.

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