Reports about Monday's meeting between US President George W. Bush and Premier Dr. Ewart Brown might well have led to fears that the third annual trip to Washington, DC was going to be a little more than a glorified photo-op.

The President and the Premier discussed the weather, how Bermuda might be able to lend the US some of its wealth, and grandchildren.

Bizarrely, the leader of the most powerful nation in the world also discussed the possibility of the US renting Clifton for the use of the nearby Consulate. With the Iraq war grinding on, the US economy in difficulties and so on, one would have thought President Bush had more important things to worry about.

But early yesterday morning, the trip turned out to have something of substance to report; an agreement to offer pre-clearance to private jet passengers travelling to the US.

While this may seem a minor perk for fat cats, it will undoubtedly enhance Bermuda's ability to attract some wealthy businessmen and women to Bermuda and is another selling point for Bermuda as an international business centre.

This is a win-win scenario, because the US welcomes the ability to stop undesirables from setting foot in the US, and they could just as well be travelling by private jet as they could by commercial airliner.

So Dr. Brown and US Consul General Gregory Slayton deserve credit for securing a small but significant agreement with the US.