Cozier to head Tourism Authority Board

Businessman Joel Providence no longer heads the Board of the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority.{{more}}

SEARCHLIGHT was reliably informed that Providence received a letter earlier this week informing him that effective May 4, 2010, he had been relieved of the position.

SEARCHLIGHT also understands that at least one other member of the board previously headed by Providence when it started less than two years ago did not make the new board.

It is claimed the new board will be headed by the former Deputy Chairman, Lucille Cozier.

It is believed that the other board members retained their positions. The previous board also comprised Vidal Browne, Bianca Porter, Ezra Ledger, John West and Crispin Charles.

When contacted on Tuesday afternoon, Minister of Tourism, Glen Beache, confirmed that the board has been reviewed and there have been changes. He stated that boards are constituted every year.

“I can tell you that more than one board member has been changed on the Tourism Authority. We’ve had more than one board member changed on National Parks. Other boards have been changed and so on. So its not to say that it’s something that’s not done. We do boards once every year,” said Beache.

The SVGTA is the national agency entrusted with the responsibility of promoting the country as a tourist destination, developing standards and regulating the quality of the local tourism service providers.

The SVGTA is also required by law to assist in the development of the varied tourism products on offer. (HN)