Premier and Minister of Tourism and Transport, Dr. the Hon. Ewart Brown said, “This is great news! Hats off to the leadership of the Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) for their stellar work. With the support of Tourism, they have produced a record number of visitors for the Race Weekend. This is what we have been looking for and we are delighted. The results are even more impressive when one considers the condition of the global economy.”

The Bermuda Department of Tourism (BDOT) partnered with Bart Yasso Chief Running Officer from Runners World; Jan Seeley the Publisher of Marathon & Beyond magazine; Skip Cleaver from coolrunnings.com; and Douglas Wakihuri, Dick Beardsley, Jay Glassman, Thom Gilligan and Brooks Johnson who are all well recognized in the running community for their work in race promotion. Dr. Joe Vigil and Andy Ferrara came to the Island to add their knowledge and expertise for the clinics held as an added value to visitors and residents.

Director of Tourism William Griffith said, “Race week is the perfect mix of sports and tourism in Bermuda. The athletes have the chance to test their skills in Bermuda’s temperate climate and scenic yet challenging terrain; while their friends and family have the opportunity to explore our premier shopping establishments, exceptional restaurants, award winning golf courses or one of our many spas. Mr. Griffith went on to say, “The partnerships BDOT has built over the years will ensure Bermuda International Race Week evolves into an event that is the envy of the world. We expect the event to be even bigger next year”

International Race Week could not happen without the strong support of the local community, the Race Weekend volunteers and additional sponsorship. In that respect, the Department of Tourism has offered their congratulations to BTFA President Ms. Donna Watson, Race Director Anthony Raynor, Race Operations Manager Clarence Smith as well as Mrs. Joanne Macphee from KPMG.

BDOT acknowledged Mr. Sid Howard, who has chosen to return to Bermuda and compete in the International Race Weekend for the 31st time. Mr. Howard and many others come back time and time again. Their commitment and dedication to this event and Bermuda has not gone unnoticed.

The breakfast briefing was held at Camden House and was attended by senior Bermuda and UK Government officials and executives from reinsurance and financial services in Bermuda.

The atmosphere was cordial and informal. By agreement, the discussions were off-the-record. Guests agreed that the meeting was very useful as a necessary interchange between partners.

Topics ranged from Bermuda’s unique role as a successful and credible leader as a financial services centre, despite its size; the necessity for Bermuda to ensure that independent observers comment favourably on Bermuda’s reputation; the importance of Bermuda having its own voice, despite the oversight role of the UK; and shared assessments of the continuing impact of the global recession on Bermuda and its partners.

Other guests at the breakfast briefing were: His Excellency, Sir Richard Gozney (Governor); Hon. Paula Cox (Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance); Philip Butterfield (HSBC Bermuda); Julian Cusack (Aspen Re); Peter Durhager (RenRe); Evan Greenberg (ACE); Peter Hinchey (Secretary to Secretary Miliband); Darren Johnston (KPMG); Brad Kading (ABIR); Don Kramer (ArielRe); Mike McGavick (XL); Arnold Minors (Press Secretary); Cheryl Packwood (BIBA); Donald Scott (Financial Secretary); and Alan Thompson (Butterfield Bank).