New American Consul General Denis Coleman Jr. does not have clear memories of his first visit to Bermuda - like any good College Week, it was a bit of a blur.

But he is delighted to be back in a more sober capacity, made even more serious by the lingering shadow of September 11 which he says effects even the ‘patriot tax', which is the key bone of contention between Bermuda and the US now the baselands issue is sorted.

He stressed moves to clamp down on US corporations were being championed by individual lawmakers in Congress and not the Republican Presidency which appointed him.

He said: “It's not clear where its going to wind up but I think it's primarily a United States issue. It's not something directed at Bermuda.

“But it's been exemplified by US companies relocating here. But Bermuda has done nothing wrong. Bermuda is running its business as it has always done.

“We have very good relations with Bermuda and want to maintain them.

“However we are at a point of heightened interest in the United States because of the context of what's taken place since September 11. There's certainly a feeling in the country of shared sacrifice.

“There's been emotional turmoil and heightened sensitivities and the feeling is that this is a kind of betrayal.

“In that context its an issue within the United States and not at all directed at Bermuda.”

Recent terrorism outrages have also put the dampner on Fourth of July celebrations here this year.

While the American Society will host a bash, the Consulate is focusing on a commemorative event on September 11.

As native New Yorkers, last year's terrorist attacks have cut Mr. Coleman and his wife deep.

“We had friends who died in the World Trade Center and friends who lost children. It doesn't seem fair. Life isn't fair but it gnaws at you. They weren't given a fair shot. You can't help being affected.”

Security at the Bermudian consulates, just like in US consulates across the world, is being stepped up and last week's car bomb in the US mission in Karachi which killed 12 people and seriously injured 20 was a warning that the terrorism is real threat, even in sedate Bermuda, said Mr. Coleman.

“Terrorists go after soft targets and they go where the US flag is. If we said we are in a nice place and did nothing and something occurred it would be inexcusable.”

Increase organisation of home security will have knock-on effects for people on the stop list said Mr. Coleman.

It was put to him that the practice of barring people with drug convictions by monitoring court reports in The Royal Gazette was a random way of stopping people from entering the US.

He said: “What we are trying to do is make our system efficient and consistent. It doesn't work perfectly and it's going to be getting better.

“There's no greater example of inefficiency that the fact we let the terrorists in who committed the acts on 9/11. No one paid a higher price than we did.

“Entry into the United States is not a right. It's a privilege we grant to people.”

But while there will be no reprieve for drug convicts hoping to study in the States Mr. Coleman said he is keen bring his charity experience to improve the lot of wayward youngsters here.

With years serving on the board of Covenant House which helps rescued street children he has an insight into what can cause teens to stray.

He said: “A disproportionate number of teenagers in trouble have learning disabilities. The learning disabilities wind up more in males than females. I would love to get involved here.”

Getting youngsters to accept and work with their learning difficulties can help get them back on track says Mr. Coleman.

He looks on the Bermuda posting as a continuance of his commitment to service which began in 1993 when he retired from a highly successful Wall Street career.

His wife is delighted to be here, having come every year on family holidays throughout her childhood and beyond.

The 56-year-old said: “I first came here in college week in the mid 1960s when I was 18. Those recollections are not as clear as they might be.

“We had a lot of fun but I don't have a clue where we hung out or where we stayed.”

“We have been back once or twice with our family.”

For other visitors coming to Bermuda Mr. Coleman hinted the US might tone down its website advisory which said sexual assaults and the use of date rape drugs are prevalent on the Island. But he stood by the content of the message.

“There has been as far as I know, no objection or disagreement with the factual content on the website.”

He said the style might have been overly strong. “That's something I am aware of and we will be discussing internally. Our job is to present the facts, we don't want to present them in an overly harsh manner.”

Asked if the US should have a clear policy of how many sex crimes per 100,000 population should be deemed a high figure Mr. Coleman said reporting procedures varied from country to country, making such a system impossible.