Hamilton, Bermuda
October 3, 2005

Mr. William J. Zuill
The Editor
The Royal Gazette
2 Par-la-Ville Road
Hamilton HM 08

Dear Mr. Zuill:

On behalf of my fellow Americans – and especially those who were impacted by Hurricane Katrina - I would like to thank all of the people of Bermuda for their tremendous outpouring of sympathy and assistance to the victims of this devastating hurricane.

Upon my arrival in Bermuda on September 1st, I was greeted by a letter of condolence from the Honorable Premier William Alexander Scott, JP, MP on behalf of Bermuda.  Receiving that expression of sympathy meant so much to me as it exemplified the good will that this beautiful island holds towards the United States. 

The many expressions of compassion from Bermudians for the victims of the hurricane have truly touched our hearts. For example:

• School children at Cedarbridge collected three huge containers of goods for Katrina victims.
  
• Whitney Institute students created 300 “Love Boxes” of necessities and treats for Katrina impacted children.
  
• Students from the Bermuda Institute traveled to Mississippi to provide hands-on relief.
  
• Area schools raised thousands of dollars dedicated to those who suffered from Katrina.
  
• Teenage grocery baggers donated their tips to help pets and other animal survivors of the flood.
  
• The Bermuda Red Cross raised over $104,000 in an ongoing appeal for Katrina sufferers. 
  
• The Salvation Army accepted more than $125,000 in donations and will send a team to Mississippi and Louisiana to offer pastoral care. 
  

The foregoing list just provides a sampling of the efforts that Bermudians, renowned for their kindness, have exerted on behalf of their American friends.  We are heartened.  We are impressed.  We are grateful.  Thank you.

Again, on behalf of all Americans and especially those who were hit by the storm, let me extend a heartfelt thanks to all Bermudians for their kindness and sympathy.

                                    With gratitude,

                                    Gregory L. Slayton
                                    US Consul General