A government backbencher has been appointed chairman of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation.

Jache Adams, the MP for Pembroke West, was formerly the chairman of the board of trustees of the National Sports Centre.

Mr Adams was embroiled in controversy last year after it was revealed that he had approved a $3.2 million bank loan to fund the installation of solar panels at the centre.

NSC trustees claimed that Mr Adams – with NSC operations manager Craig Tyrell – approved the loan without first getting board approval.

The solar panel contract had been awarded to a former Progressive Labour Party chairman.

Mr Adams, who has a background in finance and banking, was removed from the NSC chairmanship at the start of this year in a major shake-up of the board.

But a government notice said Mr Adams would head up a 12-man board in charge of the BEDC.

The quango has been tasked with playing a major role in implementing the Government’s economic recovery plan.

The BEDC full board is Jache Adams, chairman, Delight Morris, deputy chairwoman, Megan Nisbett, Chris Maybury, Craig Tyrell, Greg Maybury, Kyle James, Neville Grant, Shannon Dyer and Tamisha Greene.

Ex officio members are Hasan Durham and Regina Ferguson.

Mr Adams will replace Neville Grant as chairman of the board.