THE AMERICAN CONSULATE GENERAL

For Immediate Release                                                         June 1, 2007

“U.S. Political Leaders to Serve as Honorary
Co-Chairs for Independence Day Celebration”

 For the first time ever, leading members of Congress will serve as honorary co-chairs of the joint American Society/American Consulate July 4^th Celebration.  Consul General Gregory Slayton made the announcement yesterday that Congressman G.K. Butterfield, of Bermudian heritage, and Congresswoman Diane Watson of California will join Americans and others in Bermuda to celebrate the 4^th in style. 

Congresswoman Watson has represented California’s 33^rd Congressional District since 2001. She is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and serves on the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health and the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Environment. She is also a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and its Subcommittee on Domestic Policy.

Previously, Congresswoman Diane E. Watson served as state senator and advocate for health care, consumer protection, women and children. President Clinton appointed her to the post of U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia in 1999, where she served prior to her election to Congress.

Congressman G. K. Butterfield hales from North Carolina.  Representing that state’s 1^st Congressional District since 2004, he serves as a Chief Deputy Whip with responsibility for formulating Democratic policy and liaising with other Democrats. He serves on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee and is the vice-chair of the Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee and a member of the Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee and the Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee.

Prior to taking up his congressional duties, Mr. Butterfield was an attorney who often represented the poor; he was considered by some to be the “People's Lawyer.” He also served as a judge for over a decade, including a stint on the North Carolina Supreme Court.

Congressman Butterfield and Congresswoman Diane Watson join Premier Ewart Brown and Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley as honorary co-chairs of the July 4^th celebration.  Mr. Slayton said, “I’d like to extend a special welcome to our Honorary Chairs for this year’s event – two of whom (Congresswoman Diane Watson and Congressman G.K. Butterfield) are highly regarded members of the United States Congress and two of whom (Premier Ewart Brown and Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley) are Bermuda’s pre-eminent political leaders.  It is wonderful to have them all with us – and it shows again the very close friendship that exists between our lands.”

The guest list for the event, to be held this year on Saturday, June 30^th at Moresby Plain, has burgeoned to about 5,000.  It is thought to be the largest Independence Day BBQ ever held outside the United States, which has prompted the American Society of Bermuda to initiate steps with Guinness World Records to document the record.

CONTACT:  Astrid C. Black
US Consulate’s Public Diplomacy Specialist
278-7502
blackac@state.gov