Premier Paula Cox and two Government Ministers will attend a two-day summit looking at the challenges of maintaining national infrastructure in the midst of the economic crisis.

The event, hosted by KPMG, is entitled ‘An Island Perspective of a Global Challenge’, and begins in Miami on Thursday, when Ms Cox will deliver the keynote address.

According to a Government press release: “This is the first time such a summit has been held. The summit is designed to bring together government and industry leaders from the Caribbean region who share similar challenges with regard to developing and maintaining critical national infrastructure in the face of declining government revenues and tight credit markets. All of this is driving a search for alternative funding sources, and better ways to deliver essential large capital projects.”

Ms Cox will be accompanied by Minister of Environment Walter Roban and Minister of Health Zane DeSilva. The delegation will also be accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for Environment, Planning and Infrastructure Strategy Derrick Binns and Bermuda Hospitals Board Chief Executive David Hill.

Politicians, developers and financiers from across the Caribbean are also scheduled to attend.

Mr Roban said: “We anticipate that as a result of the summit we will be better positioned to put life to our mandate to develop an infrastructure strategy for Bermuda. I am looking forward to attending this summit and bringing fresh ideas back to Bermuda.”

A portion of the travel expenses for attendees will be covered by event organisers, according to the Government press release.

For more information, visit http://events.kpmg.co.uk/TOGIS2011/agenda.aspx