probably already aware that his job consists of much more than entertaining and golf.

Indeed, he faces a number of formidable tasks as the new representative of President Clinton and the US Government in Bermuda.

On the top of the list is the continuing problem of who will pay for the clean-up of the former US Bases.

It is to be hoped that the Bermuda Government will be able to persuade Mr.

Owen that the United States has a moral duty to clean up its former bases, over which it had total control while the US Navy was here.

The fact that the US left behind a certain amount of infrastructure of value to Bermuda is one thing, but it should be remembered that Bermuda gave the land to the US for nothing for 40 years -- at a time when it was a strategic imperative for the US to have it.

Bermuda gained out of the deal as well through the use of the Airport, but it should be remembered that the US benefited as well. And the US also has the example of Canada and the United Kingdom -- who recognised their responsibilities and cleaned up Daniel's Head and HMS Malabar -- to follow.

Secondly, Bermuda faces a number of threats to its economy as a result of the pressure from the European Union and the OECD to bring the Island's tax and fiscal regimes into line with those of other countries. Mr. Owen needs to be shown that Bermuda is a clean and respectable financial centre. And the US needs to recognise that it is in the best interests of the US that Bermuda is stable and prosperous.

Bermuda may be far from perfect, but it is in many ways a role model for other small countries which have been less successful in terms of race relations and economic development.

That does not mean that a "special deal'' should be struck for Bermuda. The Island has to stand on its own two feet, but there also needs to be recognition that the US needs to be a good neighbour -- there are enough problems around the world without adding another one to them.

Finally, the US Consul General is responsible for the well being of US citizens who are in Bermuda as residents and holiday makers. Mr. Owen needs to ensure that the they are treated well and are free from crime. His predecessor, Robert Farmer, set a fine example for his successors, both through events such as the July 4 holiday and through using his offices to help the Police to upgrade their services and equipment. It is to be hoped that Mr. Owen will do the same.

What does Bermuda have to do in return? It has to show that Bermuda is a good friend to the US. It needs to remember that when America sneezes, Bermuda will catch a cold. And it needs to show that it is responsible and capable and will treat Mr. Owen and all the Americans in Bermuda with the respect and honesty that good friends deserve.