Kralendijk- The Board of the Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB) has decided to dismiss the corporation’s General Manager, Maurice Adriaens. The popular GM received a dismissal letter giving two months notice, as his contract prescribed. He was however relieved of his duties with immediate effect, and is not expected to show up for work in the coming two months.

At the heart of the conflict between Adriaens and the Board are differences of opinion on a number of issues. The Board, interviewed by online media house Bonaire.Nu, expressed that they had lost confidence in Adriaens due to a number of what they called ‘incidents’ which took place over past months.

Adriaens showed dismay with the Board’s decision this morning. “I think my track record is clear. Tourism in Bonaire has been growing between 10 and 20%, since I am leading TCB”, said Adriaens. The dismissed TCB-manager also stated that he intended to start legal proceedings against TCB.

“I signed a contract for a 3-year term and I think I have been doing a good job”, said Adriaens who also shared that he was talking to two lawyers to prepare his case. “I will demand that I be allowed back at my job and continue my work”, said Adriaens.

Adriaens said he also regretted the action, as it would have a negative impact on the team and the functioning of the tourism corporation.

In spite of the good results Adriaens has been achieving at the helm of TCB, the move by TCB’s board do not come as a complete surprise. Since June of this year there were rumors of unhappiness in TCB’s supervisory board as to some projects Adriaens got involved in, without prior approval of the Board. Adriaens confirmed the issues, but denied any wrong-doing. “It is true they are unhappy about some things I did and decisions I took. I feel however, that as General Manager I should have the space to run the office as I feel is right and in the best interest of Bonaire’s tourism development”, said Adriaens in his defense.