BERMUDA’S success as a global financial centre will not suffer should the Democrats win the 2008 presidential election, US Congressman GK Butterfield believes.Four years ago prominent Democrats used Bermuda as a watchword to describe offshore tax avoidance as part of a public campaign against US companies that left the American mainland to take advantage of benefits here and elsewhere.

With presidential campaigning now under way, Mr. Butterfield swore to use his political influence to sway opinion on the island’s image as a tax haven.“Before I became a congressman there was very little I could do but now I am in a place where I can do something in a significant way and I want to do it,” said Mr. Butterfield in a telephone interview this week.

“It’s important for Bermuda to have a voice and I am in a position to tell the Bermuda story to leadership in Congress. I believe if the mood of the American people holds, we will have a Democrat President.

“I believe our top tier (of candidates) would win against the (top tier of) Republican candidates. I think we will have a Democrat President and a Democrat Congress.”

Mr. Butterfield represents North Carolina but has strong ties to the island. His grandfather and father were born here and he maintains close relationships with a host of relatives.

He returns to the island at the end of this month at the invitation of US Consul General Gregory Slayton, to serve as one of four honorary chairmen of the annual Fourth of July celebration, at Moresby Plain near Dockyard.

Additional hosts for the event include California Congresswoman Diane Watson, Premier Ewart Brown and United Bermuda Party leader Michael Dunkley.

The event saw more than 4,000 people in attendance last year and was a massive fundraiser, distributing $100,000 between local charities.

“I am excited about being a co-host. My family is excited that I’ll be coming to visit,” Mr. Butterfield said.

“I’ve been asked to read the official document from the US at that celebration and am excited about it. I was invited because of my friendship with the Consul General. He’s a personal friend of mine. Seldom does he come to Washington, DC without visiting me.”

The US Chief of Missions was equally enthusiastic about his relationship with the congressman.

“GK Butterfield is a fabulous US congressman,” said Mr. Slayton. “He represents his country and his constituents very well. He is also a real diplomat.

“We’re honoured that both GK and Diane Watson have agreed to be honorary chairpersons for the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations along with Ewart Brown and Michael Dunkley.

“So we have the two most prominent politicians in Bermuda and two top US political leaders. It shows how close the relationship is between the two countries.”

Mr. Butterfield praised his father, who hails from St. George’s, for nurturing a love of Bermuda. The elder statesman left the island to pursue business interests in the United States and is today recognised as the first black elected official in east North Carolina in the 20th century, but never forgot his native land.

“It’s very simple, I have deep roots in Bermuda,” said Mr. Butterfield, in explaining his continued tie to the island.

“My dad left for the United States but he loved Bermuda. He never lost his desire to serve the people of Bermuda and those values were instilled in me.”

Asked specifically what he could do to foster better relations between the two places, the congressman pointed to the influence he carried as a Democrat while the party carried the majority of seats in the House of Representatives.

“In the US House of Representatives there are 435 members across the country who make decisions that affect legislation. The Democrats can control the outcome of that legislation as we are in the majority.

“So I am in the majority party in the House of Representatives and in the leadership in the majority party which means I am in the room when major decisions are made.

“There are about 30 of us on the team. I serve as Chief Deputy Whip of the House of Representatives so I can influence legislation, the timing of legislation.”

His job is all the more easier because America views Bermuda as an important ally, the congressman insisted.

“The number one issue facing our country is the global war on terror and so Bermuda is strategic as it is so close to our shoreline. We need to make sure that nothing negative happens for Bermuda.

“We realise there’s a lot of controversy over the location of American companies in Bermuda because they receive tax benefits. There has been some discussion to change the tax laws and make companies pay more.

“That wouldn’t be good for companies and it wouldn’t be good for Bermuda and so when this information is circulating in Washington, DC, someone needs to be there to defend Bermuda’s interests.”

Asked what he thought of the Government fostering a relationship with Cuba — a cultural exchange which saw heavy criticism from the Opposition because of the possible impact on Bermuda’s ties with the United States — Mr. Butterfield admitted that even Americans are divided on the issue.

“We don’t have a consensus in the US on Cuba,” he stated. “We’ve got pro-Fidel and anti-Fidel groups. The anti-Fidel group has deep seated feelings about Cuba and the persecution of their ancestors.

“Others say all that is now behind us and we need to improve our relationship with Cuba. It’s my opinion that there will be no progress until Fidel is gone. I think when he dies it would be appropriate to renegotiate our relationship.

“But we’re not going to tell Bermudians who to do business with and where to travel — that’s where the US has gone wrong in recent years. We cannot get involved in telling Bermuda what to do.

“Our reputation is suffering around the world. We’ve damaged our relationships in so many places around the world and (US President George) Bush is the cause for much of it — I know the disdain Europeans have for the United States because of how we have conducted ourselves.”

Democrat win ‘won’t hurt the island’