Premier Michael Dunkley met with the leadership of Royal Caribbean International yesterday with a view to strengthening relations with the cruise line.

The meeting, described as a “courtesy meeting” to discuss mutual matters of interest, will also involve Shawn Crockwell, the Minister of Tourism Development and Transport.

Mr Dunkley left the Island for Florida yesterday and is scheduled to speak before the Governor’s Hurricane Conference in Florida today.

The conference, being held in Orlando, is organised by Florida’s emergency management community with the theme of “Rethink Resilience: Connecting Capabilities for Stronger Communities”.

A spokesman said: “The event brings together individuals from various governments, the private sector, emergency management personnel, the healthcare industry, voluntary organisations and related professions to enhance their professional knowledge, foster inter-agency co-operation and collaboratively plan to improve disaster readiness.”

Mr Dunkley was invited to speak at the event about Bermuda’s hurricane experiences. In his capacity as the chairman of the Emergency Measures Organisation, the Premier will highlight the steps that Bermuda takes in preparing for a severe storm and the efforts undertaken after such a significant weather event. He will also highlight Bermuda’s most recent hurricanes, Fay and Gonzalo.

Mr Dunkley is scheduled to meet with Dr Richard Knabb, the director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Centre, during the conference.