The warmth of Bermuda’s people is “extraordinarily special”, the new United States Consul General said at the weekend.

Constance Dierman said her work as a senior diplomat for the last 30 years had taken her to “wonderful” locations around the world.

But she added: “The degree that almost every single person I have met has been so outgoing, so welcoming, it stands out.

“I think it says a lot about Bermuda as a country and its values. And certainly the reputation has been earned.”

Ms Dierman arrived on island last month to take over as Consul General from Mary Elling Koenig — her first visit to the island.

Ms Dierman said: “I had only heard about it and read about it. I never had the opportunity to come.”

She said her experience so far “totally exceeds any expectations, and my expectations were high”.

Ms Dierman served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Human Resources at the Department of State before she was appointed to the Bermuda post.

She has served in a variety of diplomatic roles in several US outposts, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Australia and Switzerland.

Ms Dierman said her approach to the job had always been the same.

She explained: “Diplomacy is all about people, and how do we relate with people, how do we collaborate, how do we promote?

“That basic element stays the same regardless of the position.”

Ms Dierman said the job of Consul General was to “foster and nourish” the relationship between Bermuda and the US.

She added: “We have a unique and special relationship that has been in existence for 400 years.

“Throughout the centuries, Bermuda and the United States have had common interests that have really defined who we are as countries.”

Ms Dierman said that she and David Burt, the Premier, had already had “introductory” talks.

She added: “You always want to have that opportunity to get to know someone a little bit before sometimes you have the harder discussions.”

Ms Dierman said that she and Mr Burt had discussed economic opportunities and youth development.

She added: “I would very much like to be able to partner with the Government, non-governmental organisations, business leaders and others to look for ways to promote the next generation of Bermuda with opportunities that the US may be able to contribute to or partner in, such as our educational and cultural activities.”

Ms Dierman said that, despite popular belief, there was no US “stop list”.

She explained that like other jurisdictions, the United States has restrictions on visitors who have criminal convictions.

Ms Dierman said: “What we advise individuals is to seek a waiver.”

She said that a “large number” of waivers are recommended and approved.

Ms Dierman added: “Obviously if there are convictions involving serious crimes or repetitive convictions, that can be different.”

She said that the waiver process can take one to three months.

Ms Dierman said: “That’s something we would really like people to be aware of.

“There is that opportunity to make the process work, but they do have to plan and be prepared.”

The Hamilton Parish resident said that she would attend events connected to the Cup Match long weekend.

She added: “It’s been described to me with such passion that I have got to experience a bit of that.”

Ms Dierman said she would use her diplomatic skills in any decision to support either St George’s or Somerset.

She explained: “Maybe I could have one team one day and one team the other day.”