Development Minister Terry Lister told Hamilton Rotarians that Government, along with private sponsors, plan to build a `mini-Bermuda for millions' in Washington D.C.

With Premier Jennifer Smith and her Cabinet in attendance, Mr. Lister told the Rotarians earlier this week Bermuda will be featured in this summer's Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

An interim study group called Bermuda Connections has been set up to establish what will be taken to the US capitol.

"Bermuda Connections is the study and showcase of Bermudian culture and traditions being developed in preparation for participation in the (festival).'' A `museum without walls', the Folklife Festival is a model for similar festivals using research based living exhibitions and celebrates diverse cultural traditions around the world.

The space allocated to the Bermuda expo is the size of two football fields, and is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his infamous `I Have A Dream' speech in 1963.

Mr. Lister said: "For Bermuda to be invited to participate in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is no doubt an honour.

"But for us it also comes at an important time of self-evaluation and growth.

"The long-term benefits we derive from our participation in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival go well beyond the event in Washington.

"These include the many opportunities we will have to utilise the researched data and artifacts collected in preparation for the Bermuda Connections programme, to develop a local infrastructure that will support and preserve Bermuda's occupational and cultural traditions.

"For instance, an education resources kit will be developed, teachers will be trained and the materials used as part of the Bermuda school curriculum.

"In Washington, we will be creating a mini-Bermuda for millions to experience.

"It is estimated that media exposure of the event along is worth between $8 to $12 million.'' Mr. Lister said fund raising efforts are only half way to financial goals.

"In June of 2000, we began out private fundraising efforts with a goal of $663,000. To date, we have $392,000 committed and we are still actively seeking sponsors.

"We will produce something Bermuda can be proud of.''