Hamilton Mayor Lawson Mapp officially launched Bermuda International Business Week yesterday with a proclamation on the steps of City Hall.

The event, organised and hosted by the Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA) was delayed by the onslaught of Hurricane Fabian over three weeks ago.

Organisers hope that, despite the delay, the event highlighting the importance of the international business sector to Bermuda will not be overlooked.

“The last few weeks have certainly been an interesting time for BIBA, and indeed for all of Bermuda,” said local awareness committee chairman Duane Dill.

“As our plans for International Business Week were somewhat derailed by our uninvited guest, Mr. Fabian, it was necessary that we regroup, and decide which events were to be postponed, or cancelled.

“We, at BIBA, are very pleased that most of our events will be held over the next few weeks.”

The highlight of the celebration, the ‘Making the Difference' Conference, will take place on Saturday, October 11.

“This informative day of panel discussions will give you the information to jumpstart your career,” Mr. Dill said to those interested in industry careers. “Combine this with the motivational advice from our keynote speaker, James Malinchak, and you will be informed and ignited to make the next step.”

Mayor Mapp highlighted the importance of international business to Bermuda since the 1950s in his proclamation.

This is BIBA's sixth year hosting the event.