Nearly 2,000 sailors will be racing for Bermuda to kick off next month’s National Heroes Weekend, in the third-biggest Newport to Bermuda competition that the island has hosted.

However Kenneth Bascome, still fresh to his appointment as Junior Minister of Tourism, warned that for St George to cash in on this and other developments to Bermuda’s visitor economy, its corporation will need to seize the day and work closely with the Bermuda Government.

His remarks came as the St George’s North MP also brought before Parliament two hotel concessions orders, for developments at Elbow Beach Hotel and the former Surf Side Beach Club.

Both are likely to be debated in two weeks’ time.

Mr Bascome told The Royal Gazette that he disliked using “tourism” for his role, adding: “The name should be changed to the Visitors Development Ministry.”

The ministry came under criticism from the Opposition in yesterday’s House of Assembly, with Progressive Labour Party MPs questioning why Michael Fahy, recently appointed Minister for Tourism Development and Transport, still remained in his former Home Affairs premises instead of moving over to his new office in the Transport Control Department.

Responding to the allegations that the Government was wasting office space, Michael Dunkley, the Premier, called it “conjuring up issues”, and said he had tried to find temporary locations that worked best.

Meanwhile, Mr Bascome said he looked forward to “an in-depth discussion with the minister — I believe the two of us will cause Bermuda to take its rightful place where I believe it has always been, as a premier destination”.

With bigger sailing looming in the form of America’s Cup events, Mr Bascome said the event still faced scepticism at home. “Bermuda will be well positioned to cater to the influx of visitors, but numerous people still believe the America’s Cup is not actually going to do anything for them. I beg to differ.

“The opportunities are there. You have to put yourself in a position to take it.”

Mr Bascome said the same applied for the potential benefits coming to the Olde Towne with extra cruise and ferry calls coming, courtesy of a deal between the Government and Norwegian Cruise Lines.

“There is potential for St George to grasp this opportunity,” he said.

“The corporation, with the support of the Government, needs to take the bull by the horns in helping to get its infrastructure up to scratch.

“It is not my responsibility to drive the corporation’s agenda. They need to approach the Government; I can then pick up the baton and help convince the Government that St George needs its support.”

Update: this story has been amended to include further information from the House of Assembly