Legislation offering America’s Cup-related concessions was approved by the House of Assembly last night, with both parties promising unequivocal support.

Minister of Economic Development Grant Gibbons explained that the legislation represented the Government carrying out its promises to the America’s Cup Events Authority (ACEA), made during the bidding process.

“What they said is, in order to consider Bermuda, here’s what we need, here’s what we need to do,” Dr Gibbons said. “We were in competition against a number of other jurisdictions and we all know Bermuda is an expensive place to live and do business.

“When the announcement was made we knew we only had a week or so because we had to put a piece of legislation down and needed to get it passed by February 28. If not, the board can change its mind if they want to.

“This is all about fulfilling our commitment under the bid document.”

Under the legislation, ACEA, Team Oracle and various partners would be able to avoid various fees, including Customs Tariff duty on vehicles and the employer’s portion of payroll tax.

The concessions also allow organisers to bring a number of limousine-size vehicles to be used during the event, under the condition that the vehicles be driven by qualified Bermudians. Show cars may also be brought to the Island specifically for marketing purposes, with Dr Gibbons noting that past America’s Cup events have been sponsored by car companies.

Dr Gibbons said as many as five helicopters would be used along with unmanned drones to record the event and capture the Island’s beauty.

Meanwhile, he said as there were not enough charter boats on the Island to meet demand, visiting charter boats up to 50ft in length would be brought to Bermuda, adding that Bermudian charters and companies would be given priority.

Opposition Leader Marc Bean warned “despite all the glitter, all will not be gold”, saying that the distribution of wealth from the America’s Cup would not be even. He particularly took issue with the Government for suggesting that Bermudians must not feel entitled to benefit saying: “Don’t think those eating at Belagio-style buffet table to tell people who are eating crumbs how to think or act. You tell us not to feel entitled when you are the architect of entitlement. Because its taxpayer funds I hope everybody gets paid if they have a desire to.”

Shadow Health Minister Kim Wilson said she hoped a provision would be written into legislation for incentives to be exchanged for the concessions and exemptions being offered.

“In return the person receiving the concession they should contribute something to the social fabric of Bermuda for example — youth development and sailing alike.”

Of more concern to Ms Wilson was the provision to provide equal opportunities for all when it came to reaping the economic benefits the event presents.

PLP MP Wayne Furbert said the Opposition unequivocally supported the America’s Cup coming to Bermuda, but criticised what he said was a lack of cooperation with the party.

“We have to be sure that the economic benefit is spread wide and deep, and that there’s no one not only left out of the America’s Cup activities and not only feel it in their pockets but see it in their bank accounts.

“I would have thought that with this particular event that the Government who wants everybody on board would have included the opposition in many of the decisions. This event does not belong to the OBA government. It belongs to the people of Bermuda, considering the amount of money they are paying for it, so I would have thought we would be included.”

While he questioned why the PLP were unrepresented in the ACBDA Committee, Dr Gibbons later responded that the body was a working group with no political members, but that the opposition could play a role on advisory groups.

Kenneth Bascome said that he had been proactive in St George’s and had initiated a conversation with the America’s Cup officials. He said plans were under way for events in the Olde Towne including a concert that could be aired on CableVision. He encouraged all Bermudians not to wait to be invited to get involved but rather be bold and approach the organisers with ideas. “If you are afraid of being rejected, you will always be a failure,” he said.

OBA backbencher Leah Scott repeated calls for cooperation between the parties, saying that the Opposition is able to reach people the OBA may not and vice versa, while PLP’s Rolfe Commissiong called for diversity to be a focal point in the event noting the Island’s little-emphasised history of skilled black mariners. Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell was pleased to see support, calling the event a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Island which can redefine Bermuda in terms of tourism.

“The marketing and media exposure that we could get for this event, we could never pay for,” he said. “Never have we had such exposure. That is the potential that we have for this Island and the event is going to be on our greatest asset — the water. We can look forward to thousands of people that will converge on Bermuda.

“I believe it’s such an event that if you have an entrepreneurial spirit, it’s almost impossible not to be able to figure out how to make a good buck when tens of thousands of people are going to be here with needs.”

Answering criticism that Front Street was a location chosen for special rights to have occasional licenses granted to sell alcohol at closed off events for the likes of team bases. Culture Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin said the decision was made because of Front Street’s waterfront location. The Liquor licence Authority can grant such licences to other areas.

Dennis Lister asked why you need a waterfront property to benefit and calling Front Street the “traditional bastion of the oligarch”, while Shadow Transport Minster Lawrence Scott called for Bermudians to be defined in the legislation as more than just “labourers” but rather “designated commercial partners” who could receive funding to help start up new companies.