Sharon P. Flax-Brutus ‘immediately’ out as Tourism Director
Mrs Flax-Brutus had announced via press release on May 15, 2020, that she was tendering her resignation to take effect in November 2020 and had promised to work with the Board over the next 6 months “to ensure a smooth transition as we work together to re-open the BVI following COVID-19.”
In a twist; however, the BVI Tourist Board announced moments ago, May 20, 2020, that today was Flax-Brutus’ last day on the job.
“The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board (BVITB) wishes to advise the public that as of 3:00 pm today, May 20, 2020, Mrs Sharon Flax-Brutus is no longer the Territory’s Director of Tourism.”
Resignation effective immediately!
According to the press release, Mrs Flax-Brutus submitted her resignation to the Board on Friday, May 15, 2020, and it was accepted by the Board of Directors, who also thanked her for her service to the BVITB.
“The Board of Directors made a decision today; however, that her resignation should take place immediately. The organisation’s hierarchy will take effect to ensure continuity in operations.”
Police assist in retrieving computer & cellphone
There are also reports that the computer and cellphone loaned to Mrs Flax-Brutus by the BVITB were retrieved, with assistance from the police.
"Sending the police to retrieve my phone and computer? Is this what the BVI has resorted to? I recognize you guys want to bring me to my knees but this is beyond the pale," a WhatsApp message allegedly sent by Mrs Flax-Brutus to someone read.
Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reached out to Mrs Flax-Brutus to confirm whether the WhatsApp message was indeed hers; however, she did not immediately offer a reply.
Police Commissioner Michael B. Matthews has since stated; however, that his officers were not involved.
"The police have played no role in recovering anything and nor would we, it is not a policing matter," Mr Matthews told Virgin Islands News Online, adding; however, that "We had a call from the Tourist Board but officers did not escort her out or retrieve any property," Mr Matthews stated.
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69 Responses to “Sharon P. Flax-Brutus ‘immediately’ out as Tourism Director”
I’m glad no i***** p***** could apply for the position
Regardless the handling of this whole situation is disgraceful for our Territory.
however, to have the police involved is very distasteful and not normal.
All I will say something did happened for the police to be summoned at the office. It's not the way to make your exit from your job the you shown so much developments under your leadership. We thank you for your service and wish you well in your endeavors. God blessings.
Now we the public as One BVI they so claim want to know the facts.
I dont think it's where they are trying to embarrass her but they played their cards safe since the previous news sight stated she was resigning in November. However it appears the board forced her to go before. I feel there is something we are not aware of. 1 may be the contact she signed stated 6 months notice is required prior to resignation but the board decided they will not wait for 6 months to get a new director hummm
This is sad she was NEVER in contact with the police k****** you cannot walk in her shoes. Sharon will be fine. Trying to humiliate a LOCAL that has served this territory well and brought tourism from the dumps brought tourism from The hurricanes. Andrew I am ashamed of you to allow this.
What i can tell you is that these BOARDS that is running these statutory bodies are going to bring down this same government. You have people like K*D who only know how to lie and bullshxx her way around sitting on board making decisions. And trying to get this same position at TB. This same K*D was so close to MW but find a way of fooling NW JS who couldn't win his seat but to please him for loosing he is chairman of board. Lol. Reading this comment might sound confusing but some great minds would know what this is all about. The statutory bodies with incompetent and mischievous people is what is going to damage this government. Not so much the ministers but the ministers representatives. I want the at large candidates that we voted for to take a stand against all the wrongs that is taking place. Without them the party would be shaky.
Kenisha Sprauve - Chair
Gloria Fahie
Arleen Parsons
Keshia Davis-Barnes
Julia Dawson-Marshall
Dereck E. Marshall
Sasha Shimora Hodge
Kelvin Christopher,
Leroy Moses
John Samuel (HLSCC Chair)
Bevis Sylvester (BVI Airport Authority Chair)
Nathaniel Isaac (BVI Port Authority Chair)
Director of Tourism, Permanent Secretary/Premier's Office
and the Financial Secretary are ex-Officio Members.
https://bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/105_-_cabinet_decisions_-_meetings_of_26th_and_30th_july_2019.pdf
Further, was there some critical, urgent and important issue that required the action of a permanent TB chairperson be on board as soon as possible? And if no, didn’t Ms. Flax-Brutus’ proposed resignation in November provide the TB with the lead time to recruit and bring on board her replacement, providing the opportunity for a face-to-face hand off?
Moreover, is this action emblematic of TB culture? Under which ministry does the BVITB fall? Is the minister going to provide the territory with an update on the sudden departure of Ms. Flax-Brutus or it is just another day in paradise? Is the Boards and Committees systems dysfunctional and in turmoil? Is politics ruining the day-to-day operations and the effectiveness of the organizations? Who is next out the door?
Am employee resigns, the business moves on. This is nothing wrong or illegal. Let the Board turn it’s new leaf and move on. Why keep someone for 6 months that resigned. Also why hold on to property of your employer that is not yours?
She wanted to go and they let her. Employers do it all the time. Next.