In a press release that was sent out on Wednesday, March 12, 2014, the Belize Tourism Board announced the resignation of Mrs. Laura Frampton from the post of Director of Tourism. Mrs. Frampton has served in that capacity for the past two (2) years and is resigning the position for personal reasons.
In the release, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation, sincerely thanked Mrs. Laura Frampton for her significant contributions during her time with the organization. It indicated that during her tenure, she conducted herself with integrity, genuine concern for the industry and fiscal accountability and that Laura’s experience within both the financial and marketing sectors proved a valuable asset to the BTB over the last two years. Both the BTB and Minister Heredia wished her well in her future endeavors.
But the Belize City media seems to have uncovered some controversy into the departure of Mrs. Esquivel-Frampton as Director of Tourism. It has been indicated that the media came across a letter that was sent to the Minister of Tourism signed by seven members of B.T.B.’s executive management team.
This letter contained a number of issues pertaining to Laura’s management style that is described as both manipulative and egotistical. News 5 from Belize City describes the letter as including the seven member’s discontent with Laura’s failure to display the necessary leadership, honesty, transparency and integrity during the budget process. This has raised concerns of financial mismanagement within the Belize Tourism Board.
Until a new Director of Tourism is appointed, Mr. Javier Paredez, currently the Director of Revenue Collection and Registrar of Hotels, will serve as Interim Director.
