Bermuda has understandably gone a bit bonkers over the awarding of the 2017 America’s Cup. I don’t think there could have been much more widespread excitement if we had landed the Olympics. It’s a massive achievement for the Island and kudos to all those involved in the successful bid – an amazing job!
Not only is this a great honour to host one the world’s greatest and oldest sporting events but everyone from restaurant wait staff and retailers to construction and international business seems to understand that this offers a huge opportunity for Bermuda to reboot its economy and give the flagging tourism industry a shot in the arm.
Of course once the celebrations have died down, the real work begins. My hope is that the organisers ride the wave of goodwill and engage the whole Island in the staging of the event because let’s face it, the America’s Cup is the epitome of a rich white man’s sport. But this event is so important to the Island’s future that it is essential that as many people – black, white, sailors and non-mariners – are made to feel a part of it and given ways to contribute and be involved.
I have no doubt that Bermudians will rise to the occasion and put on a fantastic event. And while everyone hopes to cash in on the expected surge in visitors, it would be nice to think that the airlines and hotels will play their part and not use it as an excuse to gouge tourists. One of the important legacies of the America’s Cup must be that a lot of people discover Bermuda, have an incredible experience and want to come back. Ripping them off and having a ‘tude isn’t going to help.
And let’s hope politicians on both sides don’t use it to score cheap points (who am I kidding, right?). So please, no gloating from the OBA, and while the PLP is absolutely right to demand that Government is transparent about the costs and important decisions it will make over the next few years, I hope they pick their fights carefully.
We are, so to speak, all in the same boat in making sure the 35th America’s Cup is a huge success.
Breezeblog 