to the tightening of security on the site.

Consulate and Post Security Officer Jennifer Schools said yesterday that Bermuda was one of very few Consuls around the world where visitors had been allowed on to the grounds to park.

But, as of next Monday, February 5, only staff will have the privilege of parking outside the building in Middle Road, Devonshire -- everyone else will be asked to find an alternative parking space.

Last year, The Royal Gazette reported how US Consuls around the world, including Bermuda, had been put on security alert and asked to warn their American residents to be more conscious of bomb threats.

It followed the suicide bombing of the USS Cole in the Yemen last October, which killed 17 sailors and injured many more.

The vigilance warning was issued to people living in Bermuda, although Ms Schools said it was unlikely residents here would be targeted by terrorists.

However, with the Lockerbie air crash trial still unfinished, and the trial on-going against the people accused of the bomb attack on the US embassies in Africa, she said it was important the vigilance continued.

She said: "The extra warning we have is still valid and will continue until June this year.

"But we are possibly the last US facility in the world that still allows anyone other than our employees to park in the grounds because Bermuda is considered small and safe, and we have a very good Police and security system in place.

"However, our Regional Security Officer in Canada has made it clear that we can no longer ignore this. From next week visitors cannot park on the site.

"I don't know where they will park -- we can't advise on that. But we are stepping up security and from now on all vehicles will be checked, including those of staff and deliveries, and we will have an extra guard on duty to help visitors who come here unaware of the parking ban.'' RESORT APPOINTS NON-BERMUDIAN MANAGER APP Resort appoints non-Bermudian manager Ariel Sands has broken with tradition by appointing a non-Bermudian as general manager of the upmarket cottage colony.

John T. O'Brien arrives next month to take over from Alan Paris, who is leaving to become the first Bermudian to sail around the world solo.

The Royal Gazette understands the Devonshire resort did interview several Bermudian candidates, but none had experience as a general manager to take the job.

Mr. O'Brien, an American who is in his 40's, has managed prestigious U.S.

country clubs such as the Westchester Country Club, where the Buick Classic is hosted, and the Apawamis Club in Rye, New York.

The last four general managers of Ariel Sands have been Bermudian, and the fact that the resort has had to look overseas illustrates the shortage of qualified Bermudians at the top end of hotel management.

Mr. O'Brien, who earned his certificate in club management in 1990, arrives on February 26 and will shadow Mr. Paris until he leaves on March 31.

Mr. Paris said: "I have met him once and he seems to be a very competent individual who has years of experience behind him.''