Cabinet minister Grant Gibbons has given a positive review of the America’s Cup public meetings that took place this week.

The draft version of the AC master plan was introduced to the public as part of an environmental assessment, at meetings in Hamilton and Dockyard.

Bermuda Environmental Consulting, acting on behalf of the ACBDA, went through the required elements and proposed layouts for the event village, including the team bases, media centre, race management, berthing for visiting yachts and public access and viewing areas.

“The meetings were certainly productive and it was really good to hear from business owners, community organisations and residents in the West End,” Dr Gibbons, Minister for Economic Development, said in a statement.

“The EIA is obviously an important part of the project and I am encouraged by the process thus far.”

Christine Rickards, senior land use planner for BEC, stated: “The purpose of these meetings was for early identification of potential issues and to ensure that environmental protection and sustainability are key factors in the project design.

“Of course in terms of an EIA, the environment doesn’t just refer to the natural environment it also encompasses the human, built structures, as well as social and economic elements.”

Since last November, BEC has met with “virtually every government agency” as well as businesses, NGOs and affected service providers. The feedback from these meetings will be collated and become part of a scoping report which directs the work for the Environmental Impact Statement that will accompany the planning application.

People are encouraged to view the relevant documents at www.acbda.bm and submit queries and feedback.