AMERICA’S VIEW
Counsel from the consul The US Consul General to Bermuda, Mrs. Constance Dierman, offers valuable advice for business people visiting from America
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ermuda’s relationship with the United States began by accident. In 1609, the Sea Venture, on its way from England to the newly created colony of Jamestown, Virginia, was shipwrecked on the reefs around Bermuda. The passengers and crew came ashore, and that’s the short story of how the first settlers came to the island. In the years that followed, Bermuda became an important supply and waypoint between Virginia and England, and the island became dependent on trade with its nearest neighbour 750 miles to the northwest. Today the US is still Bermuda’s most important trading partner, accounting for more than 70% of all imports.
A special relationship “The US–Bermuda diplomatic and commercial relationship is an important one,” says US Consul General Mrs. Constance M. Dierman. “One of the reasons the Consulate is here is to support and promote US commercial interests on the island. Our website, https:// bm.usconsulate.gov, offers some very useful information about doing business in Bermuda. This handy resource has been prepared in collaboration with the US Department of Commerce. For business travellers that may need assistance, the Consulate is always available to give guidance or referrals, whether it’s for a lost passport, legal assistance, any other type of concerns, we’re absolutely open for business and welcome those approaches. Business travellers should also know that there are many professional organisations here that are wonderful resources and do a tremendous job in outreach and in making information easily available to visitors: The Bermuda Business Development Agency, The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, The Bermuda Tourism Authority, the Bermuda Monetary Authority, the Association of International Companies and the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers. Business people can either contact them before travelling, and be very 14 Bermuda Business Visitor 2020
well prepared upon landing, or visit with them while in Bermuda.”
Welcoming Mrs. Dierman says that everyone gets a warm reception to the island. “You’re welcomed immediately, starting with arrival at the airport. Every person that greets you is warm and cordial. The ease of movement is incredible – starting with getting a taxi and getting to your destination with no difficulties and in comfort. I think there are very few places in the world where you can have such a seamless entry experience, which immediately sets the tone for your visit. I’ve traveled around the world, and I don’t think I have ever experienced such a gracious introduction and welcome. Business visitors will find that people are very inviting and they like to talk. Bermudians will tell you with pride about their country and its history – and their international connections. They will share stories and information about themselves and their interests, and they like to hear about you as well.
Multidimensional “One of the things I’ve noticed is the multidimensional aspect of Bermudians,” Mrs. Dierman observes. “That can be underestimated, particularly by business visitors. I have gotten to know many senior business executives and have learned that they’re also historians, artists, volunteers, musicians, and teachers. That’s again a very special aspect about Bermuda. People invest heavily, not only in their ‘day job’, but equally into the community. Getting to know individuals personally is really getting to know Bermuda, what makes it tick, how it works, and frankly, from a business perspective, how to really engage in a productive way.” Bermuda is very small geographically with a population of only around 65,000. We asked Mrs. Dierman how it compares with a small town in the US. “I am from a town in Ohio of about 80,000 people. However, that’s where the comparison
ends,” says Mrs. Dierman. “Bermuda is very sophisticated for such a small island. It has every element of a big city, a prosperous nation, and yet it has that hometown feel. I think business visitors, regardless of where they’re coming from, will find that contrast interesting and helpful in developing those relationships that may further their business interests.”
Dress code The Consul General was happy to offer advice on how professionals should dress for meetings in Bermuda. “Every businessman and businesswoman here are absolutely professional in their demeanor and their dress. There is a respect for self as well as for those with whom they engage. Obviously, dress is climatedependent, so if you’re visiting Bermuda in the summer months, I’d suggest you be mindful of that. Winter travelers will find the weather cool, though it is more temperate than you’d find in New York. For women, dresses are very much appropriate at any time, as are business suits. Dress in a way similar to how you would in a major city, but again dress appropriately for the climate.”
Connections Mrs. Dierman then considered the cultural similarities between Bermuda and the US. “First-time visitors may be surprised at how comfortable they are in Bermuda because it is similar to the United States in so many ways. I think that is attributable to the long, strong, warm ties that the United States and Bermuda enjoy. We’ve had a sustained relationship with Bermuda for 400 years. Business visitors will find that the locals they engage with will undoubtedly have some connection to the United States. They, or their family members, may have studied in the US and many have relatives currently living in the US. And they almost certainly will have taken vacations in the US because it’s so easy to travel back and forth. Bermuda is only an hour time zone difference from the East Coast