New Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, David Johnson

NASSAU (October 8, 2010) -- The technical leadership of the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation passed from one veteran to another on Friday, when Vernice Walkine officially stepped down from her post as Director General. David Johnson, who had served as one of two Deputy Director General, now heads the tourism team.

In a heartfelt farewell address, Ms. Walkine thanked the people who gave her the opportunity as a young woman to become a successful professional. She pointed out that she always felt special as a member of the Ministry of Tourism staff for the past 31 years.

Despite many difficulties, she said, the Tourism team did amazing things for The Bahamas. Among those things was the hosting of the Miss Universe pageant in 2009. Now, a growth agenda is on the horizon for the Ministry.  She said she was excited about and proud of the growth agenda.

“It is always good to leave with the knowledge that you are leaving the organization better than before,” Ms. Walkine said. “Thirty one years is a very long time in one company. But for me, it has been a very short 31 years. I have never been bored. That is the nature of this business.  It is dynamic.  It is exciting.  It is challenging. It is not always easy, but it is always rewarding.”

Ms. Walkine said she never forgot for whom she labored.  She pointed out that her reason for working in the tourism sector was to contribute to a great quality of life for Bahamians. Now, she is still confident of the future triumphs of the organization since it is left to the competent guidance of the new Director General.

Vernice Walkine, who served as director general of tourism since 2005, ceremonially passes the leadership baton to David Johnson on October 8. Also pictured are former directors general Baltron Bethel (1978 - 1992) and Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace (1993 - 2005).

In brief remarks to Ministry of Tourism & Aviation staff and tourism sector partners, Mr. Johnson said that Ms. Walkine excelled in her career with the ministry.

“We are here to celebrate with you, your past accomplishments,” he said. “We are also here to celebrate the beginning of another swift journey to success ahead of you.  I have to tell you that right to the end of your last day, last hour with us, you displayed such dedication.”

Minister of Tourism & Aviation Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace said he always admired Ms. Walkine’s courage.

“There are things that need to be done that are tough,” he said. “Many times, there are decisions that are tough that have to be made, and Vernice is not somebody to mince words.  Sometimes the tough decisions are not made but it is not for the courage that Vernice would have displayed in terms of the things we have to get done.”

On behalf of Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, the Cabinet, and the people of The Bahamas, Minister Vanderpool-Wallace thanked Ms. Walkine for her great contributions to tourism.  He said many people are beneficiaries of her work and do not even know her, but he thanked her on their behalf.