Bermuda’s culture and music is to be given a front seat at this month’s RIMS event in New Orleans, with particular homage paid to the late Hubert Smith Sr and his 1969 ballad Bermuda is Another World.

The four-day Risk and Insurance Management Society event, which begins on April 26, is one of the most eagerly anticipated annual global gatherings of the re/insurance industry.

Bermuda will have a key presence at RIMS as the Island promotes itself as the ‘risk capital of the world’ and seeks to attract new business opportunities.

A risk industry reception, hosted by the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA), will be attended by Premier Michael Dunkley and a number of government ministers and corporate chiefs. The reception is themed ‘Bermuda is Another World’, after the title of Mr Smith’s song, which is regarded by some as Bermuda’s unofficial anthem.

The networking reception for insurance industry leaders on April 28 will feature award-winning Bermudian band Mohawk Radio, who will perform a special tribute to Mr Smith.

Traditional Island dishes, such as fish chowder, mussel pies, peas ’n’ rice and bread and butter pudding will be served at the reception, along with dark ‘n’ stormies and rum swizzles from Goslings.

There will be a Crown & Anchor table where guests can play for Island-themed prizes, and the reception will have a wall of photographs displaying Bermuda scenes and personalities, including the late Mr Smith.

“It will be a true celebration of Bermuda in New Orleans,” said Nicole Conrad Morrison, the BDA’s conferences and events manager, pointing out that the Bermuda reception at RIMS is recognised as an important networking and business development opportunity for the Island. As an added attracton, this year’s reception will showcase many more aspects of the Island.

“We view the event as an opportunity to demonstrate to the international business community that as well as corporate expertise, Bermuda also has a rich culture and history,” said Ms Conrad Morrison.

BDA CEO Ross Webber said: “Our BDA staff are very much in touch with their Bermuda heritage and are excited about celebrating how fantastic Bermuda is.

“As we work to grow jobs in our community, we want to ensure people and companies coming to our domicile understand and appreciate the Bermudian culture and people.”

Mr Smith, who died in 2001, had a musical career spanning more than 60 years. Known to family and friends as “Hubie”, he travelled and performed overseas with his group The Coral Islanders, and he wrote many songs about Bermuda, with Bermuda is Another World the most iconic.

Two of his children, Ben Smith, the national swimming team coach, and Denise Nanette, said in a statement: “We would like to say thank you for honouring our father at the Bermuda Reception in New Orleans.

“We are delighted the BDA has chosen to showcase our father’s memory and legacy and the contributions he made to Bermuda. Our father was very proud of the Island, as anyone who hears the words of his songs will know. We know he would have been extremely proud of this event.”

Mohawk Radio lead singer Mia Page Chambray is a previous recipient of the Hubert Smith Vocal Scholarship through the Bermuda School of Music.

The band, currently based in Manchester, England, were voted best musical talent in the UK parliament’s Rock the House competition.

In a statement, the band said: “To say we are honoured to play at this prestigious event, is an understatement. We cannot express how proud we are to represent Bermuda, and to honour the late Hubert Smith Sr.”

Bermuda’s reception at RIMS will be held in Club XLIV at the Mercedes-Benz Superdrome in New Orleans.