The Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, is travelling to London from March 23 - 26 for a series of engagements aimed at strengthening Bermuda’s engagement with Westminster, as well as enhancing international partnerships and cooperation in financial services, including meetings in Luxembourg.
The visit begins in London, where Premier Burt will co-host a dinner with Alicia Kearns MP introducing the new Bermuda All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) at the Palace of Westminster on Monday, March 23.
The dinner will be attended by ten Members of Parliament across both Houses, with cross-party representation including former Ministers and Chief Whips. Ms. Kearns, who was elected the youngest ever and first female Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, will serve as Chair of the re-established Group.
The APPG will provide a dedicated forum to ensure Bermuda's interests are supported in Westminster and can be utilised by Government, industry, civil society, and the public to engage with Parliament.
Also in attendance will be the Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP, who is in London attending an infrastructure programme coordinated with the London Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
On Tuesday, March 24, the Premier will travel to Luxembourg for a series of high level meetings with the Government of Luxembourg and the leadership of the Luxembourg Insurance and Reinsurance Association (ACA).
Luxembourg and Bermuda share significant common ground as leading international financial centres. This visit reflects the Government's ongoing efforts to build and maintain relationships with key European partners amid evolving global regulation in financial services and taxation.
Returning to London on March 25, Premier Burt and members of the delegation will attend the premiere screening of Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story at Sadler's Wells East in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Dan Egan, the documentary traces Clyde Best's journey from Bermuda to the topflight of English football. Rising to prominence with West Ham United, Clyde Best became one of the first black football heroes of the English First Division, breaking barriers and excelling at the highest level despite facing the open racism of the day.
The Premier will be accompanied on this trip by Chidozie Ofoego, Financial Secretary; and supported by the Government of Bermuda's London and Brussels Offices.
Premier Burt said, “This visit is about strengthening Bermuda's key relationships in the United Kingdom and enhancing cooperation in financial services. Re-establishing the All-Party Parliamentary Group ensures Bermuda has a strong and consistent voice in Westminster, and our meetings in Luxembourg aim to deepen ties in financial services at an important time for global regulation. I am also pleased to be invited to attend the premiere of the Clyde Best documentary to celebrate the remarkable legacy of one of Bermuda's greatest sporting icons.”