Premier Michael Dunkley has laid out details of his trip to Washington DC, where 12 meetings were conducted on Capitol Hill.

Government is closely watching United States tax policy, which has implications for Bermuda’s economy, and Mr Dunkley said he had met with Mark Mazur, Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy of the Treasury Department, to assess the administration’s agenda in this area.

MPs yesterday heard the visit, which included Grant Gibbons, the Minister of Economic Development, included “an important introductory meeting” with Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Senate Majority Leader, to discuss “current Bermuda issues” such as tax, border control and trade.

Also attending were Cherie Whitter, Deputy Head of the Civil Service, and press officer Nea Talbot.

“Honourable Members will no doubt recall the strong Bermuda connection enjoyed by Congressman GK Butterfield of North Carolina, Congressman Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, as well as Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey,” Mr Dunkley said.

“All these gentlemen confirmed their continuing support for Bermuda and Honourable Members may know that Congressman Butterfield is now the Chairman of the important Congressional Black Caucus.”

The Island has a friend in former Speaker of the House, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi of California, the Premier added, while the National Prayer Breakfast he attended had close to 4,000 guests.