Consulate wall makeover celebrates 400 year friendship of Bermuda and USA

The American Consulate has received a facelift its interior walls are now adorned with an exhibit showcasing the 400-year friendship between Bermuda and the United States, the oldest partnership in the New World.

The Friendship Wall displays images from early 1600, when Bermuda played a pivotal role in the US development, to the arrival of Beyonce at the 2008 Music Festival.

US Consul General Gregory Slayton said: "Over the centuries, ties between the United States and Bermuda have grown deeper and broader on all fronts. Today, Bermuda and the US are strong partners and the closest of allies."

The display, which can be seen on the walls of the newly renovated visitors' waiting room, was conceived by Mr. Slayton's wife Mrs. Marina Slayton, who recently published the book, 'Four Centuries of Friendship: America-Bermuda Relations 1609-2009' which coincides with the 400th anniversary of the permanent settlement of the Island.

Mr. Slayton also attributed the accomplishment of the wall to Paul Shapiro and Rosemary Jones, of Brimstone Media.

"The entire project started about two years ago the wall, we started working on about six or eight months ago. And this is a great opportunity to mark the 400th celebration," said Mr. Slayton.

The first American diplomat assigned to Bermuda was William Higinbotham, who opened an office in St. George's in August 1818.

Appointed US Agent for Commerce and Seaman by President James Monroe, Higinbotham dealt with American shipping and trade issues. But he faced many diplomatic hurdles because Bermuda's English Governor did not officially recognise him. Higinbotham died in St. George's on July 25, 1832.

Mr. Slayton said: "We receive 8,000 to 10,000 visitors every year that come to the Consulate. We felt that this is a great way to learn the history of the friendship between Bermuda and the United States.

"The US-Bermuda alliance has large benefits for both Americans and Bermudians. The United States provides over 75 percent of all of Bermuda's imports, tourist and financial capital each year.

"Consulate professionals offer a range of services for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who visit Bermuda and the thousands of Bermudians who visit the US. Consulate staff also help other US Government agencies working in Bermuda, such as US Custom and Border Protection that provides customs pre-clearance for many US bound flights at the Airport.

"We work closely with the Bermuda Government and the British Governor in Bermuda to promote partnership, trade, international law enforcement and easier travel between the Island and America.

"Our Mission is to ensure the US-Bermuda alliance remains strong for the benefit for both Americans and the people of Bermuda."

The official launch ceremony is scheduled for May.

Courtesy of Royal Gazette reporter Tauria Raynor