Cost Of Premier Dunkley’s Trip To UK & US
A trip by Premier Michael Dunkley to the UK for meetings cost $6,554.30; while his trip to the USA for the BTA’s “Race to Bermuda” launch and the Congressional Black Caucus conference cost $3,662.33, according to recent listings on the Government’s travel webpage.
The listing for the London trip on the web page said, “The Premier Michael H. Dunkley, visited London 24th – 26th August, 2015 for meetings with Government officials.
“While in London the Premier met with David Gauke, Financial Secretary to the Treasury; John Whittingdale, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport; Phillip Hammond, Foreign Secretary; and Sir David Amess, the Chair of the Britain-Bermuda All Party Parliamentary Group.
“During the meetings the Premier and the UK Ministers discussed the relationship between the UK and Bermuda; the UK’s interest in the Overseas Territories adopting a publicly accessible register of Beneficial Owners of companies; the structure of Bermuda’s tax system; the upcoming Joint Ministerial Council meetings to be held in London in December; and the potential impact of the America’s Cup on Bermuda’s economy.
“The Premier also conducted interviews with a variety of UK broadcast media including BBC Radio 4, BBC Business Live and CNBC UK Closing Bell. In each instance the Premier discussed Bermuda’s solid reputation in financial services.
“The Premier was accompanied by the Director of the London Office, Kimberley Durrant and the Secretary to the Cabinet, Dr. Derrick Binns.”
Expenses
- Air Travel: $3,176.15
- Ground Transportation: $
- Accommodation: $3,378.15
- Meals: $
- Miscellaneous: $
- Total Cost: $6,554.3
The web page listing for the United States trip said, “The Premier and Minister of National Security Michael H. Dunkley, visited New York, and Washington, DC, over the period 16th – 18th September.
“While in New York the Premier participated in the launch of the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s “Race to Bermuda” campaign. The Premier brought brief welcome remarks to the guests who included key industry influencers, representatives from Louis Vuitton, and media representatives from such top tier entities as Conde Nast, Travel and Leisure, Vanity Fair, Wall Street Journal, CNN, New York Magazine, Maxim Creative Group and Vogue among others.
“The next day the Premier travelled to Washington, DC to attend a number of events associated with the 45th Congressional Black Caucus’ [CBC] Annual Legislative Conference. Bermuda’s participation at the CBC events was made possible with the assistance of Bermuda’s Washington DC Office as well as the assistance of the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers [ABIR] and their President, Bradley Kading.
“The visit to DC served to strengthen the relationships built earlier this year. Premier Dunkley attended an event honouring Congressman Clyburn of South Carolina, the number three Democrat in the House of Representatives.
“While there, the Premier also had an opportunity to speak with Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. Later in the evening, Premier Dunkley attended the Leaders’ Reception in honour of the Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina, who ties his paternal ancestry to Bermuda.
“While at Congressman Butterfield’s event, the Premier had an opportunity to meet with US Attorney-General Loretta E. Lynch. The evening concluded with attendance at the 45th Annual Legislative Conference Gospel Extravaganza, held at the United House of Prayer for All People.
“This event was co-hosted by Congressman Clyburn, Congressman Butterfield, Congressman Bennie Thompson of Mississippi and Congressman Sanford Bishop of Georgia.
“The Premier was accompanied to the CBC events by Cheryl Packwood, Director of Bermuda’s Washington DC Office and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Derrick Binns.”
Expenses
- Air Travel: $2,135.45
- Ground Transportation: $
- Accommodation: $1526.88
- Meals: $
- Miscellaneous: $
- Total Cost: $3,662.33
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It’s so nice having and seeing accountability…We thank you once again O.B.A.
Accountability? are you kidding? I want accountability for the BIG money, not this pocket change. You faithful are sooo easy.
Interesting but not so.
First of all, i think it’s laudable that the government is making this information visible to the public and holding themselves accountable for their expenditure while on these overseas missions. Second, i’d like to point out that these figures are vastly lower than the estimated figures for similar expeditions by the PLP during the period when they so decisively and expeditiously (really almost an achievement) destroyed Bermuda’s economy by stealing money from the people (some of whom inexplicably seem to be OK with this……..). Third, if the reason that the land transport, meals and miscellaneous categories have been left blank is that they were paid for out of their own pockets then i’d also like to commend them for that. Fourth, where were they staying?! $3378.15 for accommodation for 2 days?! Even for 3 people that’s really expensive!
We can depend on the OBA to be honest ! Unlike some others in the past !
Really?