Bermuda's office in Washington DC is now "open for business" with a new managing director in charge.

Premier Ewart Brown announced in a statement last night that Omar McIntosh — a civil engineering graduate with 15 years experience in the commercial construction industry — had been appointed to run the office close to Capitol Hill.

The facility was officially opened in September 2009 to coincide with Government's attendance at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Weekend in DC but has remained without staff ever since. Dr. Brown, who is in DC this week for meetings, said last night: "I am delighted that Bermuda's Washington office is open for business. I look forward to the office strengthening our ties to Washington and the US as a business and financial centre of influence. Under Mr. McIntosh's leadership and counsel, I am certain that Bermuda will be promoted as the progressive and highly reputable jurisdiction it is."

The new MD, who has an MBA from the Carey Business School at Johns Hopkins University, is responsible for the office's strategic plan, as well as developing partnerships with US corporations and managing relationships with decision makers in the US capital.

Last night's statement said Mr. McIntosh was of Bermudian/American parentage and had strong family connections to the Island. Mr. McIntosh said: "It is truly an honour to be a part of such a historic and important time in the further progression of a place that my family has called home and that will be of great benefit to the United States. I look forward to a promising and prosperous future between the United States and Bermuda."

His profile on business networking site LinkedIn says he has been in charge of the DC office since April and previously worked as senior project manager for a decade at Clark Construction Group in the US.

The DC office, on the third floor of Liberty Place, at 325 Seventh Street NW, was allocated $320,000 in this year's Budget; two other staff members are still to be recruited. Last night's statement said the office would provide semi-consular services for Bermuda in the US in the areas of inward investment and international financial services.

It will also closely monitor political and business developments relating to Bermuda's foreign and domestic interests and liaise with members of Congress and others to further the Island's business and financial interests in the States. Cabinet Secretary Marc Telemaque is responsible for Bermuda's Washington and London offices.