David Burt and Jamahl Simmons have travelled to Washington to attend the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference.

The Premier and tourism minister will meet with legislators and citizens to discuss economic development, social justice, public health and education.

The conference is the leading policy forum on issues impacting African-Americans and the global black community, with more than 9,000 people attending.

Mr Burt will today attend the Prayer Breakfast and the Phoenix Awards Dinner at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, as the guest of Congressman G.K. Butterfield.

He will also hold meetings about the wish to reopen Bermuda’s Washington office.

Mr Burt said in a statement: “The Congressional Black Caucus ALC weekend is the ideal environment to connect with lawmakers and other influential leaders to advance Bermuda’s interests in the United States and worldwide.

“Maintaining a presence at events such as these brings Bermuda to the forefront of policymakers’ minds and provides an excellent foundation from which to build relationships.

“The Government stated in the Throne Speech that we would expand our engagement in Washington. As guests of a prominent congressman, we will meet with representatives and friends of Bermuda in Congress, which will only advance our interests going forward.”