Premier Michael Dunkley and Economic Development Minister Grant Gibbons have completed a full day of meetings with Congressional Members in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Their talks on Capitol Hill included visits with Congressman Jim Clyburn; Senator Mitch McConnell, Senate majority leader; Congressman Charles Rangel; Congressman GK Butterfield, Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC); Senator Ed Markey; Congressman Jeff Duncan; and the newly elected New Jersey Senator, Cory Booker.

Premier Dunkley said: “We had a full day on the Hill. We had an opportunity to have key discussions with some very influential members of the US House and Senate.

“We discussed a wide range of issues related to Bermuda such as our international business reputation, tourism, environmental matters and tackling crime.

“Minister Gibbons and I also used the opportunity to highlight the fact that Bermuda will host the 2017 America’s Cup and the representatives were very interested to hear that.

“We believe it was a very productive day, a day where we reaffirmed our friendship and built relationships, and I was very encouraged by the expressed support for Bermuda by the House and Senate representatives.”

The day began with a courtesy meeting with the UK’s ambassador in Washington, Sir Peter Westmacott, at which the Premier and Dr Gibbons updated him about Bermuda and discussed common areas of interest.

They then met Mr Clyburn and discussed tax reform and criminal justice reform — Mr Clyburn is a staunch proponent of the latter.

While meeting with Mr Butterfield, Premier Dunkley formally congratulated him on being elected as the Chair of the CBC, and the two had a robust exchange on cmatters regarding Bermuda.

Minister Gibbons raised the Government’s exploration of renewable energy initiatives and the Government’s efforts to strengthen Bermuda’s economy.

With Mr Rangel, Bermuda’s insurance, reinsurance and tourism product were topics of discussion, and the long-serving Congressman — a member of the Tax Writing Committee, House Ways and Means — shared his appreciation for Bermuda and expressed his support for the Island.

Mr McConnell, Mr Booker, Mr Markey and Mr Duncan, who is the chairman of the Western Hemisphere Sub-committee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, all warmly received Premier Dunkley and Dr Gibbons and welcomed the opportunity to hear first-hand about Bermuda.

Premier Dunkley and Minister Gibbons continue another full day of meetings on Capitol Hill on Thursday.