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Bermuda & United States sign mutually beneficial aviation agreement

WASHINGTON – A bilateral agreement that will enhance homeland security for the United States and increase Bermuda’s attractiveness as a tourist destination and international business center was signed Thursday (April 23) in Washington, D.C.

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano signed for the United States and Premier Dr. Ewart Brown, who is also Minister of Tourism and Transport, signed for Bermuda.

Premier Brown said: “In 1974 Bermuda was one of the very first countries to usher in pre-clearance services for U.S.-bound commercial passengers without compromising the safety of the American homeland. Bermuda is now once again in a position to provide a convenience few others can match. In fact only three other countries are on track to enjoy this outstanding benefit in aviation travel.”

Secretary Napolitano said: “This will not only help facilitate travel to the United States from Bermuda for private aircraft, but it will also enhance security.

“Under the agreement, Customs and Border Protection will expand its pre-clearance operations at the Bermuda airport. As part of this expansion, CBP will check general aviation passengers and aircraft for potential radiological and nuclear threats. This will ensure that private aircraft are not used to smuggle dangerous weapons into the United States,” the Secretary said.


Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Premier Dr. Ewart Brown signing agreement

With the dual importance of international business and tourism to the Bermudian economy, today’s signed agreement is viewed as another way to strengthen Bermuda’s economy and enhance her competitive edge. Only Ireland and Aruba have similar agreements with the United States, while a third country is in the negotiation stage.

The agreement was about two years in the making.

United States Consul General in Bermuda Gregory Slayton is considered an important part of the team, working with the Ministry of Tourism and Transport and the relevant officials in the United Kingdom.

“Today’s signing ceremony was the culmination of two years of work between the U.S. Government, the Government of Bermuda and the U.K. Government,” said Mr. Slayton.

“All three parties worked tirelessly to pull this off – making Bermuda one of only three places in the world to offer this service. This is another link in the ever increasing ties that bind the U.S. and Bermuda together in mutually beneficial ways and we are delighted to see it completed today.”

Mr. Slayton, the Premier, L.F. Wade International Airport General Manager Aaron Adderley, and Home Affairs Minister David Burch held a private meeting with the Secretary and her senior staff before the signing ceremony. They discussed the implementation of the agreement, Bermuda Tourism in the current economic climate and the recent Summit of the Americas in Trinidad.

“I was greatly encouraged by Secretary Napolitano’s warm and engaging personality,” Minister Burch said. “One can immediately see why President Obama selected her for this very important responsibility; she has swiftly grasped the issues and was clear in this Administration’s support of this initiative. I look forward to having other opportunities to work with the Secretary for both countries’ mutual benefit.”

The Premier and the Secretary exchanged gifts. The Premier presented the Secretary with a Bermuda cedar pen set and the Secretary offered a handcrafted silver bowl with the seal of the Department of Homeland Security.

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