The bill for a five-day trip by the Premier last month to attend the Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council in London came to $11,101.37, according to the Government’s travel calendar online.

David Burt’s trip to Britain marked the first JMC under the UK’s new Labour Government, and came with other meetings to highlight the island’s financial services and banking sector.

The forum allows for heads of Britain’s 14 Overseas Territories to meet with Whitehall officials and discuss issues related to their relationship with London.

The annual summit was launched in 2012, after Britain issued a White Paper following consultation with the Overseas Territories over their constitutional relationships and the UK’s responsibilities for external affairs.

Mr Burt, who is also the Minister of Finance, travelled from November 17 to 22, beginning at the UK Overseas Territories Association Political Council, which affords OT leaders an opportunity to convene before the JMC.

Expenses included $6,523.90 on air travel, $4,259.94 on accommodation and $317.53 on meals.

The Premier’s trip featured meetings with Sir Keir Starmer, who was appointed as Britain’s Prime Minister in July, and David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, along with other British Government officials and leaders of the OTs.

Mr Burt described the visit last month as an opportunity to “share the Bermuda story with key UK business sectors and collectively reinforce critical matters of importance”.

Bermuda’s constitution and support for the island’s international financial services industry were among talking points during a bilateral meeting between Mr Burt and Stephen Doughty, Britain’s Minister for the Overseas Territories.

The travel calendar entry said: “The visit included economic discussions with representatives from Lloyd’s of London and the Bank of England, emphasising Bermuda’s importance to the global insurance industry.

“Additionally, Bermuda’s leadership in climate advocacy was recognised, with progress made on establishing an Overseas Territory Climate Resilience Facility.

“A highlight of the visit was the Premier’s engagement with young Bermudians studying in the UK during the student dinner in London.

“This interaction showcased the remarkable talent and aspirations of the next generation and underscored the importance of investing in Bermuda’s youth and their future contributions to the island’s success.

“The trip reinforced Bermuda’s leadership role among the Overseas Territories and its commitment to advancing democratic governance, economic development and climate resilience.”

The bill for Mr Burt’s trip was in line with $11,330 spent for Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier, to attend three days of the JMC last year, while Mr Burt’s attendance in November 2023 was separately reported as costing $8,656.50.

Mr Burt’s attendance at the Pre-Joint Ministerial Council in Miami between October 27 and 29 this year cost $1,221.83.

Another entry to the ministerial travel calendar showed expenses of $1,904.80 for a trip taken this month by Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

It said he was invited to attend the Iconic Summit in Miami from December 6 to 8, when air travel cost $702.50, ground transportation totalled $318.95 and accommodation came to $735.74.

Expenses for meals were listed as $119.61 while $28 was spent on miscellaneous items.

The entry added that the event was hosted by Ian Gooding-Edghill, Barbados’s Minister of Tourism and International Transport, and Michael Bayley, the president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean International.

It said: “The iconic summit ‘Envisioning Caribbean Tourism’ provided an opportunity for Caribbean regions to establish firm connections within the Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism.

“Through collaboration and innovation, Bermuda can be positioned as the most desirable, year-round, warm-weather destination for visitors seeking exceptional experiences.”

The entry added that Mr Darrell was accompanied by Pandora Glasford, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.