Friday, 25 January 2019, Brussels: Renée Webb, a former Progressive Labour Party Tourism M shall henceforth represent the Bermudian Government vis-à-vis the European Union in matters handled by the overseas British territory.
Premier of Bermuda, David Burt opened the office flanked by Director Webb during a ceremony, and subsequent reception well-attended particularly by ambassadors representing the African, Caribbean and South Pacific Group of States (ACP Group) as well as Indian representative to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg, Ambassador Gaitri Issar Kumar.
Premier Burt during his allocution highlighted that the new office had been set up because constant engagement vis-à-vis the EU was needed au lieu of “shuttle diplomacy”.
Renée Webb, a former tourism minister, graduated from Queen’s University in Canada with a BA in political studies and went on to pursue a master’s degree in international relations in Paris. She studied international human rights law at the Institute of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, and was picked for an internship at the UNESCO human rights department in Paris.
Belgium has three official national languages, French, Dutch and German, however, French is the most-spoken in Brussels City.
Premier Burt mentioned that Director Webb had been hired pro tempore for a year, and her duties include managing the office, advising the Bermuda Government on all relevant European matters and liaising with the island’s London office. Likewise she shall represent the Government in meetings, conferences and on other occasions when necessary.
The Premier of Bermuda said the Government’s presence in Brussels is meant to enhance its relationships with EU institutions, member states and European businesses.
As a British Overseas Territory Bermuda’s foreign affairs are handled by the UK, nevertheless, the country maintains similar offices to the new one in Brussels in London, and Washington D.C. to promote Bermudian economic interests.
For further information Premier David Burt: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_David_Burt
EU-Bermuda relations: https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/countries/bermuda_en
Government of Bermuda: https://www.gov.bm/government
