The Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates highlighted the important historical bond between Virginia and Bermuda while on a brief visit to the Island.

Republican politician William Howell said the connection between the Island and Virginia was something that needed to be kept alive. "Virginia and Bermuda have a strong historical bond, and it's something I think will continue over time," he said.

During his stay on the Island, Mr. Howell toured the House of Assembly, met with Governor Sir Richard Gozney, and toured St. George's with the St. George's Foundation. He said that Bermuda, like Virginia, should take advantage of its long history to help draw visitors. "We recently used our 400th anniversary as a way of reintroducing Virginia to the rest of the world, and in a similar way, we hope to use the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

"Bermuda also played a role in that event, with Bermudian soldiers taking part. Hopefully there can also be a Bermudian element in the anniversary."

Like Bermuda, he said a sizeable portion of Virginia's economy comes from tourism, an area that has been hard struck by a weak economy. "For both Virginia and Bermuda, tourism is a major source of revenue, and times are tough right now," he said. "I don't think there's a lot that Bermuda can learn from Virginia in regards to tourism. I think you do a very good job in that regard.

"We have been here before and we always have a great time."