Expanding opportunities for small Bermuda companies to become involved in new hotel developments on the Island by linking with US companies was one of the topics discussed in a Bermuda delegation's hectic day of talks on Capitol Hill yesterday.

Premier Ewart Brown hailed the day of meetings with prominent members of the US Congress as a success after the subjects of taxation, the insurance industry and the possibility US Coast Guard involvement in Bermuda's waters were all discussed.

After emerging from his first two meetings with Congressmen Kendrick Meek and Joseph Crowley, both members of the majority Democrat group on the influential Ways and Means Committee, the Premier gave brief details of topics brought up.

"We spoke about linkages for local companies with American companies, particularly construction firms," the Premier said.

"Our policy is that we encourage businesses in Bermuda that might not be large enough to deal with some of the larger projects in Bermuda.

"With all the hotel construction coming online, then there will be a number of opportunities for Bermudians."

The Ways and Means Committee deals with taxation matters, an issue of pivotal importance for the Bermuda insurance and reinsurance industry, which writes much of its business in the US.

And Dr. Brown said both Rep. Meek and Rep. Crowley had indicated understanding of how the Island's insurance industry helps to underpin the US economy.

"We touched lightly on the issue of taxation and offered our position that the reinsurance industry in Bermuda is an American success," Dr. Brown said.

"It is important for American business and has shown itself capable of responding in time of need, such as post-9/11 and post-Katrina.

"I got the distinct impression that these people would like to help us preserve our industry, because they recognise the benefits of it for the US."

US Consul General Gregory Slayton, the organiser of the three days of bilateral talks in Washington was also involved in the meetings, as was Cabinet Secretary Marc Telemaque.

Insurance was again high on the agenda in yesterday afternoon's meeting with Rep. Paul Kanjorski, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee's Capital Markets and Insurance Subcommittee.

The Pennsylvania Democrat is pushing for the creation of an Office of Insurance Information, which some state insurance regulators see as the first step towards federal regulation of insurance in the US.

Federal regulation would be welcomed by Bermuda insurers who have to cope with 50 sets of different regulations in the 50 states.

"He talked about how Bermuda is regulated and wanted to know more," the Premier said after the longer-than-scheduled meeting with Rep. Kanjorski.

"We told him the Bermuda Monetary Authority regulates the whole financial sector, including the banks. He was on the verge of believing that Bermuda was like the Caymans [which has a much larger offshore banking sector], but we were able to tell him we have only a small number of banks."

Rep. Kanjorski, a Democrat who was formerly a Republican, also expressed the belief that a Barack Obama victory in this year's presidential election would help to improve America's image around the world.

In a meeting with Rep. Elijah Cummings, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, Dr. Brown said the issue of a US Coast Guard involvement in Bermuda's waters had been mentioned.

Press Secretary Glenn Jones later expanded: "It wouldn't be appropriate or productive to comment publicly on the nature of today's discussions.

"The public should be aware though that the issue remains very much on the table."

The Premier said he was well pleased with the way the talks, which conclude today, have gone so far.

"I think that the more frequent our visits, the more the Representatives know about Bermuda and about our issues," Dr. Brown said. "That's why I believe it's important we keep this rhythm going."