Support will grow for the America’s Cup as more events come to the Island, according to Economic Development Minister Grant Gibbons, who conceded there were some who might never favour the Government’s economic policies.

Asked if the One Bermuda Alliance had fallen short in convincing the public that the Cup constituted a game-changer for Bermuda, he said more town hall meetings were on the way — plus an update for tomorrow in Parliament.

Dr Gibbons was responding to a survey by The Royal Gazette that found 27 per cent of residents opposed to the 2017 event, and 21 per cent unsure.

The minister also took encouragement from the silver lining, saying he was pleased to note that 52 per cent supported an event that the Government invested $70 million to secure for the Island.

As for those still undecided, Dr Gibbons said they were “probably waiting to see how things develop”.

“We recognise that not everyone will agree with our enthusiasm for, and confidence in, the many benefits the America’s Cup will bring to Bermuda,” he said, voicing hope that October’s World Series, as well as the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup in 2016 and the Challenger Series and America’s Cup Finals in 2017, would raise support.

“In this regard, we recognise that we’re still only six months into a 2½-year programme.”

Still, he defended outreach efforts made by the Government with the America’s Cup Bermuda Ltd (ACBDA) and America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA): town hall meetings, public meetings to link entrepreneurs with the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, press releases and parliamentary statements.

There had been individual meetings since January with service clubs, unions, the Chamber of Commerce, tourism sector groups, and local boating and sailing clubs.

Although the Government and ACBDA had been consumed with site preparations, Dr Gibbons said updates would continue.

“But we recognise nevertheless that some members of the community will possibly never agree with this Government’s economic approach to creating jobs and opportunity.”

The $70 million investment would be “just a part of the overall $250 million in spending this event will create”.

“Bermuda is making a substantial investment with clear indications of a substantial return on that investment, in order to benefit every Bermudian for the foreseeable future.”

Extra spending could be banked on from the local operations of the ACEA, plus spending over the next three years by teams and sponsors involved.

The minister said extra visitors, with media, regatta officials, super-yacht visits and event-related Government spending, also stood to multiply benefits.

“Our America’s Cup costs involve investment in Bermuda infrastructure and services over the next three years, and sponsorship of the event as part of Bermuda’s bid package,” he said.

This newspaper’s survey drew some notably strong comments from detractors believing the America’s Cup would fail to benefit average Bermudians.

Dr Gibbons responded: “All sectors of Bermuda’s economy will be positively impacted: tourism; hotels, restaurants and hospitality-related services; transport, including taxis, ferries, buses; construction; wholesale and retail; security; marine services, shipping and forwarding; telecommunications; service industries; small businesses; and real estate — even international business.

“And the global media exposure generated for Bermuda will have a significant and sustained impact on tourism, including air arrivals and on-island expenditure for years to come.”

Meanwhile, the Government’s capital costs of $14 million over three years included provisions for site preparation, enhancements to buildings and docks, moorings, utilities and services.

Expenses to run the America’s Cup Village have been budgeted at $11 million over three years, he added. For both capital and operational expenses, the majority of the spending will occur in 2016 and 2017.

Dr Gibbons said securing the event had already jump-started the development of new hospitality products and promoted a reinvestment in existing properties.

Infrastructural projects would stand to enhance the Island’s tourism “well beyond” 2017, he said.

“The hosting of the America’s Cup provides Bermuda with a chance to re-establish tourism which should have a broad-based and long-lasting beneficial effect on the Bermudian economy.”