2007 Press Releases

The American Consulate General

THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER
For Immediate Release
June 12, 2007

“SECOND ANNUAL BILATERAL VISIT TO WASHINGTON READY TO GO”

U.S. Consul General to Bermuda, Mr. Gregory W. Slayton, is escorting a contingent of top Bermudian leaders to Washington, D.C. for strategic meetings with leading United States politicians and officials. Accompanying Mr. Slayton are the Premier of Bermuda, Dr. the Hon. Ewart Brown, JP, MP; Minister of Finance Ms. Paula Cox; and Financial Secretary Mr. Donald Scott.

Foremost on the agenda is a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the State Department’s principal officer and member of President Bush’s cabinet.  Also of note is a slate of appointments on Capitol Hill with high-ranking Senators, Congressmen and others.

Meetings have been scheduled on the Hill with Senators Max Baucus, Norm Coleman, Sam Brownback and Susan Collins as well as Congressmen Charles Rangel, Arthur Davis, Kendrick Meek and Stephanie Tubbs Jones.  The Bermuda delegation will also meet with Congressman James Clyburn, who serves as Majority Whip in the House, and Mr. Robert Kimmitt, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Department.

Mr. Slayton remarked, “This second, consecutive bilateral visit to Washington D.C. continues what I hope and believe will become an annual undertaking.  Regular meetings between our two governments reinforce our already cordial relationship and lay the foundation for continuing rapport. We have been allies for more than two centuries, and it is in the best interests of both our nations to build on this positive alliance.”

Premier Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Brown said, “The Minister of Finance and I will be on roller skates during our 48 hour blitz, crisscrossing Capitol Hill.  But it will be a worthwhile exercise because this is important work.  The Bermuda economy is very sensitive to political decisions made in Washington DC and the people of Bermuda need to know their elected leaders are looking out for the country’s best interests in that regard.  Therefore, I am indebted to Mr. Gregory Slayton, US Consul General, for his invaluable role in facilitating our Congressional visit.”

The Premier added: “I am delighted that in addition to meetings with key lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, we will have an opportunity to meet with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice."