Premier Alex Scott touched down in Washington, DC yesterday for two days of top-level talks ? and restated the critical importance of Bermuda forging closer links with the US.

The Government delegation was whisked straight from the runway at Ronald Reagan National Airport to a meeting at the British Embassy, the start of a whirlwind diplomatic trip at the heart of the American political establishment.

Clearer details of what might be on a jam-packed agenda taking in nearly 30 meetings with leading US politicians became clearer last night, with the controversial ?stop-list? that bans Bermudians with criminal records entering America and a possible new, extended policing role for the US Coast Guard on the Island emerging as two major topics.

Bermuda officials will also be keen to emphasise the key role the country?s booming insurance and reinsurance companies have played in the US economy, particularly in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks and last year?s disastrous hurricane season.

But understands that Government will be asking about a possible relaxation of bans that stops Bermudians with criminal records, many for minor offences, travelling to America to study or work.

Mr. Scott said that any movement in that area would be ?most significant?, although he admitted the issue was a ?tough one?.

He added: ?The US has a law and if you have a criminal record then they have every right to decide who enters their shores.?

The Premier added one way of tackling the subject would be to see if US officials would recognise rehabilitation certificates from Bermudians.

He recognised that since 9/11 the Bush administration had become ?even more sensitive about who comes and leaves here? ? but said his Government was ?duty bound? to raise the topic.

A criminal record for relatively minor offences, such as handling stolen bike parts or getting caught with a small amount of drugs, can blight a promising students? career, Mr. Scott said, and the stop-list meant many youngsters were ?chained to the rock and can?t leave?.

He continued: ?If there could be any movement in that area it would be most significant.? Bermuda?s US Consul General Gregory Slayton, however, said the stop-list scenario was not unique to Bermuda.

?It?s US policy, if you commit a crime in your home country you lose your right to visit the US. It?s not just against Bermuda ? it?s against everybody.?

Another matter likely to be raised in the next two days is the role of the US Coast Guard in Bermuda.

Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton, also in Washington for the diplomatic visit, is set to highlight the $11 million agreement struck as part of the naval base deal that saw the US withdraw from Morgan?s Point and Southside.

Government officials said that stated that America would provide some security through use of their Coast Guard.

And Mr. Scott last night said the idea of having a US Coast Guard station based in Bermuda might be discussed. Mr. Slayton also backed the prospect of the Coast Guard setting up a base on the Island.

Speaking moments after his plane touched down in Washington, Mr. Scott restated the importance of this week?s trip, which he said would strengthen ties between two historic friends.

He said: ?We are grateful for the opportunity to meet some very influential friends.

?Thanks to Mr. Slayton we will be able to give the individuals who roam the corridors of power in Washington the Bermuda story.

?If we are lucky we will invite them down to see Bermuda first hand ? and that?s better than us talking about it.?

Asked how important the visit was to his Premiership, Mr. Scott said it was ?most significant?.

He added: ?This is our main trading partner and you can?t be a leader of a country and not have a rapport with key individuals in the country you trade with.?

He said, after the trip, he hoped Bermuda?s status in the heart of the US establishment will have risen, and said he hoped to be ?a little more than a name ? I will be a face?.