Oliver Jordan, president of the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA), is leaving that position for one in the private sector.
After a meeting of the board of management yesterday, the authority issued a statement confirming that Jordan’s resignation from the posts of chief executive officer and president was effective September 30, but because of accumulated vacation leave, his last day on the job would be July 31.

While the statement made no reference to where Jordan would be going, well-placed sources revealed the Barbados Scholar would be taking up a senior post with FirstCaribbean International Bank, which is headquartered in Warrens, St Michael.

Contacted yesterday evening, Jordan confirmed his resignation, but declined to offer additional information.

Jordan joined the BTA as vice-president, finance and corporate affairs in July 1998, and acted as president from November 1, 2000, until his appointment on November 1, 2001.

The BTA statement said while Jordan would leave the agency in three months, he had committed himself to working with the BTA’s board “to identify a suitable successor and to ensure an orderly transition”.

“During his term as president, the tourism industry was faced with a number of challenges, the most significant of which was the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States.

“Mr Jordan was instrumental in developing the BTA team in the implementation of the Recovery Plan, which has been hailed as the blueprint for the growth recorded in the industry since the latter half of 2002.

“He has also played a key role in the development of the National Tourism Marketing Committee, which brings together the public and private sectors in the formulation of a national strategy for marketing of Barbados as a tourism destination.

“In addition, under his stewardship the organisation and Barbados have had the privilege of receiving numerous awards which have impacted on showcasing Barbados as a world-class tourism destination,” the statement said.

BTA chairman Hudson Husbands described Jordan as having been “the right man for the right time in leading the organisation through a difficult transition”.

“He has had a superb relationship with the board, staff and the industry alike. We are thankful for his six-year contribution to the BTA.”

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