|
|
About the Consulate
Mission Statement
2008 Consulate Accomplishments
2007 Accomplishments
2006 Accomplishments
Contact Information
Holidays
Photo Gallery
Employment Opportunities
Consul General Slayton
Latest Consulate News
|  |
AMERICAN CONSULATE GENERAL HAMILTON
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2008
PUBLIC DIPLOMACY (PD) - Consul General Slayton organized and led the third bilateral diplomatic visit of Bermuda’s Premier to Washington D.C., in what has become an annual event. Premier Brown was able to meet with President George W. Bush, Department of Homeland Security Chief Chertoff and other senior US leaders. The Premier and Secretary Chertoff signed a Letter of Intent to augment and strengthen pre-clearance operations in Bermuda.
- For the first time in history, an American diplomat addressed both houses of Parliament in the House of Assembly itself. Mr. Slayton and Consul Margaret Pride spoke on the topic of educating young Bermudians to keep themselves off the so-called Stop List, and how waivers of ineligibility are processed for travelers with criminal convictions.
- Together with the American Society, Post organized and executed the July 4th extravaganza for 7,000+ guests, themed “Celebrating Freedom; Giving Back to Bermuda.” Island-wide media coverage of the event was extensive and extremely positive. This largest “by invitation” dinner party in Bermuda’s history celebrated common values and stimulated friendship between Americans and Bermudians of all backgrounds, while netting $100K for local charities. CG Slayton’s July 4th Op-Ed was the lead in that day’s Royal Gazette.
- Post sponsored its fourth consecutive Voluntary Visitor Exchange, sending a team of Bermudian leaders in the field of alternative education to visit their counterparts in successful U.S. programs, with emphasis on those at-risk. Post expects to send a VolVis team to the U.S. every year going forward.
- Post continued to host “piggyback” public diplomacy events, of which one example is the second annual “Harvard in Hamilton for Habitat” concert organized by the Consulate featuring three Harvard glee clubs. All donations from the concert were to aid Bermuda’s Habitat for Humanity.
- Consul General Slayton hosted numerous representational events at the Official Residence, including dinners honoring Congressman GK Butterfield and Congresswoman Diane Watson and a reception honoring Dr. Maki Mandela.
- Post hosted the Thanksgiving 2008 inter-faith Celebration followed by a light lunch of Thanksgiving. It was attended by many of Bermuda’s leaders, including Governor Gozney, Premier Brown and Opposition Leader Kim Swan. The Consul General’s Thanksgiving op-ed was the lead in that day’s Royal Gazette.
- Consul General Slayton delivered numerous keynote speeches to professional gatherings, such as the International Reinsurance Summit, the International Reinsurance Congress, the Bermuda Insurance Conference, the Chamber of Commerce and the Hamilton Rotary Club. Each keynote focused on a unique aspect of the US/Bermuda relationship.
- Consul General and Mrs. Gregory Slayton conceived and edited a book on US/Bermuda relations over 400 years, describing the important role the US has played over four centuries in Bermuda’s history and vice versa. The book – due out in March 2009 – is particularly appropriate as 2009 marks Bermuda’s 400th anniversary.
- At the Governor’s request and with the Consul General’s facilitation, the US Coast Guard sent two C-130 planes to Bermuda to transport more than 50 Bermuda Regiment soldiers and cargo in a humanitarian airlift to the hurricane-ravaged Turks and Caicos.
- Post continued to push forward its state-of-the-art website as an outreach tool, providing customers with up-to-the-minute information on Consulate activities and programs. One example is the new system for on-line booking of consular appointments.
- The Consul General continued his “Congratulations Letter Program,” recognizing over 200 regular Bermudians throughout 2008 whose performance, achievement and/or service was of real benefit to Bermuda and/or the USA.
- The Consulate’s profile in the community continued to move from strength to strength as Post’s relationship with the media deepened and matured. Overall, Bermuda public opinion is very positive towards the US. The focus on PD led directly to hundreds of positive TV, print and radio features that clearly elevated the positive perception of the US overall.
CONSULAR AFFAIRS (CA) - The Consulate joined representatives of the US Bureau of Customs and Border Protection to host two briefings on ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for almost 60 travel agents, their biggest clients and the press. Consul Pride followed up with 4 radio interviews aired during peak times and several print articles.
- Post ramped up its outreach efforts to encourage Bermudians to keep themselves off the so-called Stop List. New in 2008 was the Stay Off the Stop List Hip Hop Contest. The winner performed his song before a crowd of 7,000+ at the July 4th Celebration reinforcing the public service message that criminal behavior has long-term negative impact on being able to travel to and through the U.S.
- The Consulate continued its monthly radio call-in program – “Ask the Consulate” – on local radio. It is reported to be one of the more popular local radio programs.
- The Consulate spearheaded a widespread effort to give Americans in Bermuda information about absentee voting that was positively noted in local press.The Consulate issued over 4000 passports, immigrant visas, nonimmigrant visas, waivers of ineligibility for Bermudians, an increase of almost 25% over 2007’s totals.
2008 was the first full year of Consular Operations without a Junior Consular Officer – saving US taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. Yet work loads and client service levels both increased – a testimony to Margaret Pride’s strong leadership and Hamilton’s excellent CA Team. MANAGEMENT - For the first time in many years, Consulate and State Department experts led a crisis management exercise attended by representatives from the Bermuda government, police, fire and rescue, hospital emergency staff, the Bermuda Regiment and Government House. Also, Consulate representatives participated in a crisis management exercise organized by Government House. DPO Matthew Johnson was designated the Consulate’s lead to ensure effective cooperation and communication with all relevant agencies engaged in emergency preparedness. These and related activities have led to a new level of emergency preparedness at the Consulate and with relevant Bermuda authorities.
- For 15+ years parking for all Consulate visitors and clients has been over 300 yards from the Consulate entrance, forcing visitors to cross two main roads without stoplights and walk down 75 yards of main road without a sidewalk. This extremely hazardous situation has led to a number of vehicle/pedestrian accidents – and could have easily resulted in the death of a Consulate visitor. After three years of negotiations by Consul General Slayton, the Government of Bermuda approved – and completed - the construction of a car park next door to the Consulate for use by visitors. The new parking lot is now in operation.
- The relationship between the Consulate and the US Bureau of Customs and Border Protection continued to improve steadily over the past year. As an example, select CBP and Consulate officers visit each other’s operations on a regular basis to ensure maximum cooperation and communication.
- The Consulate compound was upgraded in appearance and functionality, as re-pavement, termite control tenting, new tiling in kitchen and reception area, new plumbing in guest and employee bathrooms, fire alarm system upgrade, DS monitoring system upgrade and an electrical service upgrade to Consular Section projects were all completed on-time and on-budget.
|
| back
to top ^ |
|
|
