The Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission has defended the controversial appointment of One Bermuda Alliance MP Wayne Scott.

The Progressive Labour Party had called for Mr Scott to resign, saying he could not hold a post in the civil service due to his position in the House of Assembly. But Alan Dunch, chairman of the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission, said that the Casino Gaming Act 2016 did not prevent former or sitting ministers or members of Parliament from being employed by the commission.

“Just like every other employee of the commission, Mr Scott is neither the holder of a casino licence nor is he affiliated with anyone that is in the process of applying for one,” Mr Dunch said.

“The former education minister has not solicited or accepted any complimentary service from any entity applying for a casino licence under the Act, nor has he provided any goods or services to an applicant for any licence under the Act, other than in the ordinary course of his duties as an employee of the commission.

“The Act does not prohibit former or sitting ministers or members of Parliament from being employed by the commission. It also does not prohibit such persons from any involvement in the gaming industry for a specified or any period of time.”

Mr Dunch said that a review panel established to interview for the position the chief technical officer unanimously ranked Mr Scott as the best candidate for the job in both rounds of interviews. He added: “While none of the candidates had gaming experience, the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission was committed to hiring a Bermudian for the role of CTO and Mr Scott had virtually all of the technical skills and qualifications required for the job.

“The commissioners unanimously accepted the recommendation of the review panel that Mr Scott be appointed to the role of CTO and we look forward to working with him in our quest to create a viable, regulated casino gaming industry in Bermuda.”

In a statement, an OBA spokesman said: “The Opposition’s method is always to look for the worst in everything. The OBA, however, will continue to serve the people with openness, transparency and accountability.”