The Premier and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael H. Dunkley, JP MP, visited New York, and Washington, DC, over the period 16th - 18th September.
While in New York the Premier participated in the launch of the Bermuda Tourism Authority's "Race to Bermuda" campaign. The Premier brought brief welcome remarks to the guests who included key industry influencers, representatives from Louis Vuitton, and media representatives from such top tier entities as Conde Nast, Travel and Leisure, Vanity Fair, Wall Street Journal, CNN, New York Magazine, Maxim Creative Group and Vogue among others.
The next day the Premier travelled to Washington, DC to attend a number of events associated with the 45th Congressional Black Caucus' (CBC) Annual Legislative Conference. Bermuda's participation at the CBC events was made possible with the assistance of Bermuda's Washington DC Office as well as the assistance of the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR) and their President, Bradley Kading.
The visit to DC served to strengthen the relationships built earlier this year. Premier Dunkley attended an event honouring Congressman Clyburn of South Carolina, the number three Democrat in the House of Representatives. While there, the Premier also had an opportunity to speak with former Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. Later in the evening, Premier Dunkley attended the Leaders' Reception in honour of the Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina, who ties his paternal ancestry to Bermuda. While at Congressman Butterfield's event, the Premier had an opportunity to meet with US Attorney-General Loretta E. Lynch. The evening concluded with attendance at the 45th Annual Legislative Conference Gospel Extravaganza, held at the United House of Prayer for All People. This event was co-hosted by Congressman Clyburn, Congressman Butterfield, Congressman Bennie Thompson of Mississippi and Congressman Sanford Bishop of Georgia.
The Premier was accompanied to the CBC events by Cheryl Packwood, Director of Bermuda's Washington DC Office and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Derrick Binns.