New US Consul General arrives

Career diplomat Grace Shelton is the new United States Consul General to Bermuda.
Ms Shelton — who has an extensive background in Slovenia, Nepal, Malaysia and Belarus — is the first woman appointed to the post.

She replaces Gregory Slayton, whose four-year spell on the Island came to an end shortly after the Uighurs controversy threw Bermuda's relationship with the US into the spotlight this summer.

Mr. Slayton was credited with helping build bridges between the two countries, including setting up regular trips of Bermuda dignitaries to Washington, D.C.

Ms Shelton said in a statement yesterday: "I am very pleased to be serving the United States in Bermuda.

"Following in the footsteps of Gregory Slayton will not be easy, I'm told, but my focus will be to build upon the very positive US-Bermuda alliance that exists today and that has been ongoing for four centuries. I look forward to getting to know Bermuda and its people."

The appointment of a female won approval from groups on the Island yesterday.
Culture Minister Neletha Butterfield — who has previously championed the need to have more women on Bermuda's Cabinet — described the move as historic.

"Throughout the world women continue to make great strides and success in all areas of the workplace," Ms Butterfield told The Royal Gazette.

"Even here in Bermuda we continue to make inroads and why not as we have so much to contribute and are very capable to be and are successful.

"I am sure I speak for the majority of women who continue to rise even through these demanding and challenging times.

"As women journey through life we must all recognise that our work counts and the appointment of Ms. Shelton to Bermuda indicates and confirms that change is possible.

"This is not only historic for Bermuda but for the United States as well, change is upon us and the opportunity is there we just have to reach for it because it is available to all."
Bermuda International Women's Club Vice President Nancy Frith has already invited Ms Shelton to join the club.

She said: "We would like to congratulate Ms Shelton on her posting as the first female US Consul General to Bermuda and welcome her to the Island.

"IWC members, which include many Bermudians as well as expats, will look forward to meeting and working with Ms Shelton in the future."

Mrs. Frith said IWC helps newcomers such as Ms Shelton settle in the Island and make new friends.

"We would welcome Ms Shelton's participation in the club," she said. "As US Consul General Ms Shelton will be a wonderful role model to the young women of Bermuda and a valuable asset to the Bermudian community."

Governor Sir Richard Gozney welcomed Ms Shelton to the Island, adding: "At the same time as Bermuda retains its constitutional link to the United Kingdom, I see every day how much Bermudians look to the Americas, that is Canada, the United States and the Caribbean, for much of their business, their study and their holidays.

"The official United States Representative, the Consul General, has an important and telling role to play. I look forward to working closely with her."

Premier Ewart Brown and Opposition Leader Kim Swan both said they would be meeting Ms Shelton this week.

"I expect that before long she and I will be engaged in meaningful discussions on subjects of mutual interest between Bermuda and the United States," said Dr. Brown. "I know Bermudians will make her feel comfortable in the blink of an eye."

Mr. Swan said: "Ms. Shelton, who we note is the first female US Consul General in the long history of US-Bermuda relations, possesses an impressive service record. We think her international experience in a fascinating variety of countries will well serve Bermuda and the United States in her time on the Island."

Mr. Slayton sent this message from the US: "Grace Shelton is a consummate professional — and I am sure that she will do a great job as the new US Consul General to Bermuda. I wish her — and the good people of Bermuda — all the very best going forward."

Before joining the US Foreign Service, Ms Shelton was an attorney in Savannah, Georgia, and a law clerk to the United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia.
She has a JD and a Masters in International Affairs from Columbia University and her BA from Bucknell University. She was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina.

Courtesy of the Royal Gazette