WASHINGTON – Washington, D.C. got a taste of Bermuda’s glamour and history last night as Bermuda resident Michael Douglas mingled with Washingtonians just before a screening of the film “The Lion and the Mouse”.
The Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR) hosted the event at the United States Capitol Visitor Centre. Premier Dr. Ewart Brown, Finance Minister Paula Cox, U.S. Consul General to Bermuda Gregory Slayton and California Congresswoman Diane Watson were among those in attendance.
“The event had a warm feeling and some good laughs,” said Michael Douglas who is narrator of “The Lion and the Mouse”. “Congresswoman Watson spoke elegantly and warmly about Bermuda and our Premier, followed by a screening of Lucinda Spurling’s movie which was enjoyed by all.”
The objective of the event was to highlight the centuries-old relationship between Bermuda and the United States which is depicted in the movie. Filmmaker Lucinda Spurling was in Washington Tuesday night to introduce a 50-minute excerpt of her film for the private audience.
The excerpt covered the Bermuda-U.S. relationship during the twentieth century war years, but also dealt with Bermuda’s prominence as a 21st century international business jurisdiction – particularly in the area of reinsurance.
“It was fitting for us to focus in on international business and reinsurance,” said Premier Brown. “All day long in our meetings on Capitol Hill that is what lawmakers wanted to talk about. They want to know how our vibrant reinsurance sector benefits their constituents and we have plenty of examples for them. Last night was another way for us to share the Bermuda story with the United States, having Michael there put a little extra sparkle on the message.”
Actor Michael Douglas and Premier Dr. Ewart Brown pose for a photo with “Lion and the Mouse” actress Lana Young at a U.S. Capitol Visitor Centre reception on Tuesday night.
Reception attendees went home with fact sheets describing what ABIR members do to benefit American consumers. ABIR’s membership is made up of 23 Bermuda domiciled insurers and reinsurers.
ABIR’s event was part of an annual Bermuda Delegation visit to Capitol Hill to meet with U.S. lawmakers.
On Tuesday in Washington the delegation met with Rep. Kendrick Meek, Rep. Danny Davis, Rep. Mike Thompson, Rep. Joe Crowley, Rep. Charles Rangel, Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn, Rep. Eliot Engel and Rep. G.K. Butterfield.
