Bermudians question benefit of America’s Cup

With a major part of Bermuda’s recovery plans being pegged to the hosting of the America’s Cup, the vast majority of voters felt that the economic benefits would accrue to only a select few rather than to the country as a whole.

Nearly 7 in 10 voters (68.8%) felt that economic benefits would go to a select few, while 3 in 10 (28.3%) felt that the event would benefit all of Bermuda. Less than 1 in 20 (2.9%) were unsure.

By race, more than 8 in 10 Blacks (84.8%) felt that the economic benefits would go to a select few, compared to 4 in 10 Whites and Others (36.9%) of who felt that way. Whites and Others were more inclined to believe that the event would benefit all Bermudians (58.4% compared to 12.9% for Blacks).

By gender, females were more likely than males to believe that benefits were for the select few (72.7% versus 62.2% respectively). On the other hand, one-third of males felt that all Bermudians would benefit from hosting the races (35.6% versus 23.6% for females.)

And by income, more than 7 in 10 persons in households earning between $50,000 and $100,000 (73.5%) felt that a select few would benefit from hosting the races, compared to 70.5% for those households earning under $50,000 and 60.8% of households earning more than $100,000.

There were no statistically significant differences by age groups.

Notes: Category totals may not add to 100% due to rounding. The 2015 survey was conducted among 407 registered voters between 15APR15 and 10MAY15 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.8%. Some 75% of respondents were obtained by landlines, 11% by cell phones and 14% via the internet. Data for all demographics were weighted to reflect the 2010 Census report.

Source: TodayinBermuda.com