US Consulate honours local who helps the Stay off the Stop List campaign

A recovering drug addict who is helping the US Consulate with a campaign to keep Bermudians off the "stop list" barring entry to America has been rewarded for his efforts.

Steven Somner — who was unable to travel to the States for more than ten years due to convictions for dishonesty and burglary — was presented with a certificate of appreciation by US Consul Gregory Slayton on Friday.

The father-of-three has been visiting schools and other organisations on the Island to explain to youngsters how committing any crime could prevent them from ever travelling to or through America.

Mr. Slayton told him: "I think you have made an invaluable contribution to the power of the statements. There is nothing more important than helping our young people both in the US and here."

Mr. Somner, of Spanish Point, said he appreciated being able to visit the US in recent years after gaining a waiver of ineligibility.

"It's about turning the negative into positive," he said of his backing for the Stay off the Stop List campaign. "Thanks to you guys for asking me to come along with you. It's good to give back to my country and to America."

Mr. Somner, who works for concrete company SAL Ltd, thanked his employers for allowing him to take time off work to visit schools and praised his wife Deborah for supporting him when he turned his back on drugs and crime.

The consulate launched two arts competitions for youngsters in connection with the campaign. Secondary school students are being asked to come up with a slogan or create a piece of original art on the theme: "keep yourself off the stop list".

The winner of the slogan contest will receive two round trip tickets to New York while the art winner will get two tickets to Washington. The deadline for entries is June 15.

Mr. Slayton said: "The winners are going to see their art or slogan on 100,000 or more Dunkley's Dairy milk cartons. We have to get the message through to the young people. The prizes are particularly appropriate because by staying out of trouble you can do fun stuff like this."

For details on the competition and on how to apply for a waiver of ineligibility visit http://hamilton.usconsulate.gov.