America’s Cup legislation has been passed with the full support of the Senate, although the Opposition queried how much of the community will share in the wealth.

Junior National Security Minister Jeff Baron said entrepreneurs were already approaching Government to get involved, but Progressive Labour Party Senator Diallo Rabain said that not was what he had been hearing.

All sides agreed with Senator Baron that coverage of the 2017 event, from up to five low-flying helicopters coupled with unmanned drones, would amount to “a marketing bonanza for the Island”.

The Act delivers concessions for the America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA) that were promised in securing the Cup, as well as protecting the event’s branding. With more than 100 ACEA staff relocating for the event, the Island stands to gain 300 more people in official personnel alone.

“Team Oracle will set up its base and start training over the next few months, with other teams likely to follow,” Sen Baron said, requiring exemptions from work permit and employment-related taxes and fees.

“Exemptions will be extended to include motorcycles, in accordance with existing legislation, and boats of up to 50 feet in length.

“Due to the nature of their work, most of the people relocating are boating enthusiasts and may have personal watercraft included as part of their personal possessions.

“These too will be exempt from Customs duty, as will personal items purchased less than six months before their arrival in Bermuda, with the proviso that they be exported at the conclusion of the event.”

He clarified that provisions allowing open-air drinking on Front Street would not limit festivities to that area alone.

Sen Baron’s remarks came after Opposition queries as to why locations such as King’s Square in St George were not cited in food and drink legislation. He clarified that Dockyard and St George would host similar festivities, telling The Royal Gazette that Front Street was singled out in the Act only because it was a public street, which locations such as King’s Square are not.

The Progressive Labour Party’s Diallo Rabain and Marc Daniels questioned the extent to which gains from the Cup would extend throughout the community.

Sen Rabain told the One Bermuda Alliance to “understand where the scepticism comes from” around who stood to gain the most.

The bulk of Sen Baron’s remarks detailed the special requirements for hosting an event of such magnitude.

Since all local charter boats would be booked, he said visiting foreign vessels of more than 50ft would be permitted to charter, with Bermudians taking priority. Specialised boats would also have to be brought in, he said, and up to 80 limousine-sized vehicles would be imported charge-free to transport representatives and guests — to be driven by residents with the appropriate licences.

Trucks and trailers brought in for the Cup will also be exempt, and all will leave the Island after events.

Grant Gibbons, the minister responsible, will be authorised to issue concessions requested — all subject to the negative resolution procedure.

Sen Baron acknowledged that some members of the public were sceptical that the event would benefit everyone.

“We want to see Bermudian labour, not just on the construction site, but on the entrepreneurial level, to make this not just a great event, but a Bermudian event.”