US Ties

The Special Relationship

In July 2021 Bermuda welcomed new U.S. Consul General to Bermuda Karen Grissette, a welltravelled career of more than 20 years. Since she is a new resident herself, this publication asked Ms. Grissette about her introduction to was actually before I even stepped foot on the island—it was that dazzling blue, gorgeous ocean that you see as you come in on the airplane. I remember thinking this is a stunningly beautiful place to come and live.

“Our family transitioned very easily to life here. Our children settled into school well and have made many friends. They are looking forward to getting into activities such as horseback riding and karate. They love going out on boats and swimming. As a family we all enjoy the natural beauty of the island and have been walking the Railway Trail and the nature reserves. I have also been very impressed with the diversity and quality of local businesses.”

Ms. Grissette says meeting the people of Bermuda has been the greatest joy. “Bermudians are so welcoming and friendly. There are Bermudians are very well acquainted with America. There are hardly any Bermudians that have never travelled to the U.S., and there are more U.S. connections and a deeper understanding of the United States than any other place I’ve lived—and So that may make the island an easy place for Americans to adjust to.”

An insight to the island Ms. Grissette experienced very soon of living in only 21 square miles. “One of the things newcomers will quickly come to realize is that you encounter the same people in several settings—at your children’s school, shop, at a tennis class—and this can actually help develop close friendships and business relationships. I saw someone on the beach with whom I had recently had a meeting, so we just continued our conversation there on the beach. Everybody is connected in one way or another to everybody else, so it’s kind of like one big family. I love that about Bermuda.”

Turning to the U.S. Consulate, one of the things Ms. Grissette is most proud of is customer service. priority for our consular section. We have very quick turnaround time for information. We respond very promptly to all enquiries made through our dedicated email address, hamiltonconsulate@state.gov. Lately, we have been receiving questions about the Covid-19 regulations for both Bermuda and the United States. Obviously, the regulations are ever changing, but I’m pleased to say we have very strong cooperation between the U.S. government, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Bermuda Government Ministry of Health in order to keep both U.S. and Bermuda populations well informed and safe during this pandemic.

“The services we provide at the consulate are for American citizens as well as non-Americans. For Americans, we’re here for emergency situations, which unfortunately are sometimes sad events, such as a sudden death, an arrest, or destitution, and then of course routine services such as passport renewals, reports of birth abroad, notarizing a power of attorney or a legal document, things like that. For non-Americans, most issues relate

to their desire to travel to the United States. That means either visiting visas or immigrant visas. “One thing worth mentioning here is that we estimate there to be about 8,000 Americans resident on the island, among a total population percentage. And when a cruise ship visits the island, that number increases dramatically. That’s why consular services are such a priority for us. We encourage and ask U.S. citizens to register with us here at the Consulate at https:// Karen Grissette step.state.gov. One of the many directly to you. That might be about the Covid-19 testing requirements for travel or information about a hurricane for example. Ms. Grissette says part of her mission is to deepen the strong economic ties between the United States and Bermuda. “There are a number of investment and business opportunities here, and I’m working with my colleagues in the U.S. Commercial Service to highlight those opportunities for U.S. companies and U.S. investors. There are a number of examples, but I’ll give you just one, and that is around developing sustainable energy on the island. We’re interacting with the Bermuda Government in this area and hope that we can make opportunities available and have U.S. companies competing and investing in this space. It goes without saying that the international business sector on and the U.S. insurance companies based in Bermuda are very important for us. We meet regularly with the companies and various industry and trade groups to discuss concerns; share information with the appropriate entities in London, Washington D.C., and beyond; and help wherever we can.” More information on the US Consulate in Bermuda is available at: https://bm.usconsulate.gov Facebook (@usconshamilton) Twitter (@usconshamilton) Instagram (@usconsulatehamilton).