The Progressive Labour Party has accused Government of a “mad scramble” to add diversity and inclusion to the America’s Cup.

Jamahl Simmons, the Shadow Minister of Tourism, pledged that for “similar projects” in the future the PLP would make sure that “entrepreneurs and business development are the first thought and not the afterthought”.

However this evening Grant Gibbons, the Minister of Economic Development, dismissed the claims saying “The Opposition has a very short memory.”

“My ministerial statement from February 2016, which was an update to Parliament on the America’s Cup at the time, talked about the success of the efforts by the ACBDA and BEDC to ensure the successful participation of some 59 small businesses and entrepreneurs in the October 2015 World Series event village,” Dr Gibbons said.

“The launch today of this micro loan programme and the six town hall Local Biz Opps meetings in February and March are all part of a continuing effort to ensure broad participation in the AC events by small local businesses.

“This does not include the many small construction companies involved in the construction of team bases and the dockyard renovation and AC 35 preparation projects.”

In his February statement Dr Gibbons pointed out that the World Series event had benefited 59 vendors who provided general retail, entertainment, and food and beverage services in the event village as well as a further 40 businesses that provided services to help run the actual event.

In a press statement released this afternoon Mr Simmons said: “Since the announcement of the America’s Cup, the PLP have called for greater inclusion, opportunity and diversity when it comes to jobs and opportunities surrounding this event which will cost taxpayers over $100 million.

“After years of virtually ignoring this call, at the eleventh hour we are now witnessing a mad scramble by the OBA to add diversity and inclusion to a mix that previously seemed concentrated within mostly the legacy businesses and traditional elite interests.

“Oh what a difference an election year makes. With only two months until the AC and with Bermudian jobs continuing to disappear under the OBA, the PLP encourages entrepreneurs to take advantage of this last minute programme, if you can.”

Mr Simmons comments come after the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation announced it is allocating $300,000 in funds for small and medium sized businesses looking to capitalise on the 35th America’s Cup.

He added: “It is the PLP’s view, however, that planning and programmes like this should have started long ago to ensure benefits are spread widely.

“There have been and remain many lessons to be learnt from the OBA’s management of the America’s Cup, not the least of which is that any event funded with tax dollars must begin at a place of inclusion and diversity.

“For any similar project in the future, the PLP will ensure that entrepreneurs and business development are the first thought and not the afterthought.”