Grant Gibbons has expressed his shock at Chris Furbert’s threat to derail the America’s Cup over the work permit of the Reverend Nicholas Tweed.

Referring to comments made yesterday by the Bermuda Industrial Union president, Dr Gibbons said a disruption of the event would jeopardise the island’s reputation and economic recovery.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, the Minister of Economic Development said: “The America’s Cup should not be held hostage by a labour union president acting irresponsibly over an immigration issue.

“The world is watching closely and any attempts to disturb this highly visible, international event would set our island back immeasurably and put all of our futures at risk.”

Dr Gibbons said the dispute over Mr Tweed’s work permit was unrelated to labour, arguing that an attempt to undermine the America’s Cup would threaten to put at risk the likelihood and job opportunities for Bermudians.

“He threatens to disrupt the growing resurgence among small businesses owned and operated by fellow Bermudians, including those in the retail, hospitality, construction and marine sectors, which are finally seeing positive economic growth after a severe economic recession,” Dr Gibbons said.

“He is threatening to reverse Bermuda’s recent upsurge in tourism, disrespecting the efforts of so many fellow Bermudians who are playing an important role in making that happen.”

Dr Gibbons said the island has already received a boost from the event through youth sailing and education programmes and investment in hotel projects, along with increased awareness of the island as a tourism and business destination.

“Thousands of Bermudians and Bermuda taxpayers have invested time, money and energy to make the 2017 America’s Cup an event we can all be proud of,” he said. “Over 1,000 schoolchildren have benefited from youth sailing and education programs in our schools. Major overseas investors have taken note of Bermuda’s progress and put their money into new hotel projects this island sorely needs.”

“Bermuda has already benefited from extensive media coverage that has demonstrated the beauty and friendliness of our island home to people around the globe — people we hope to welcome one day as our visitors. We have received tremendous interest from sponsors who will utilise Bermuda’s facilities and services.

“The AC teams have relocated to Bermuda with their families, renting our homes, attending our schools, and using our many services. With the help of hundreds of Bermudian workers, we are on schedule and on budget for the delivery of the America’s Cup venue at Dockyard.”

He said he has already been in contact with representatives for the America’s Cup about the comments by Mr Furbert, saying: “There was obviously some concern, but I think they will continue to work through this, and we hope to have a very successful event.”

Asked if there was any plan in place should there be a disruption of the America’s Cup, Dr Gibbons said: “I’m hoping we can work through this issue, but obviously it would be important to think about contingency plans in the event that this continues to escalate.”

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