BILL SILVERMINTZ, the Barbados Tourism Authority's (BTA) point man for marketing Barbados in North America, has not renewed his contract.

The vice-president of marketing and sales for North America, who was appointed in 2002, ended his tenure with the BTA on June 14.

Silvermintz, however, will continue to work with the BTA as a consultant until December, with specific focus on the PGA World Golf Championships, Barbados World Cup, which will be held from December 4 to 10.

No replacement has been named, and in the interim, BTA president Stuart Layne will assume responsibility for the United States market with assistance from public relations manager Averil Byer.

The BTA president thanked Silvermintz for his contribution, stating: "We thank Mr Silvermintz for his meaningful contribution to Barbados over the past four years, and wish him every success in his future endeavours.

"We are seeking to fill the position as quickly as possible, and we are confident that in the interim, arrangements which have been put in place will allow for a seamless transition." (JW)