Premier Alex Scott met with US Consul General Denis Coleman before the US diplomat left the Island for good, Government spokeswoman Beverle Lottimore said yesterday.

Mr. Scott promised to meet with Mr. Coleman, who left the Island yesterday, following his criticisms of Bermuda?s relationship with Cuba.

?He met with him on Monday. The content of that meeting I cannot give to you because I was not present,? Ms Lottimore said.

Opposition Health spokesman Michael Dunkley this week claimed that Mr. Scott had not met with Mr. Coleman as he had pledged he would during debate in the House of Assembly on March 14.

MPs had been concerned at Mr. Coleman?s statement to broadcast media that Government was strengthening links with Cuba after having promised they would only be cultural and that Bermuda?s relationship with the United States was deteriorating as a result.

?I will certainly pursue it, I will, as best we can, get to the bottom of it,? Mr. Scott said then.

Mr. Scott could not be reached for comment. But a press conference to update the public on his recent trip abroad is planned for today.

Mr. Coleman?s departure means Bermuda is without a US Consul General and probably won?t get one one until after the November presidential election.

?We don?t know when a new consul general will be appointed. It may be delayed due to this being a presidential election year,? said Janet Hoehlein, executive assistant to the Consul General.

Deputy Consul General Karen Emmerson will act as Consul General until then.

Mr. Coleman?s resignation was effective yesterday.

He told last month that he was resigning for health reasons. He was due to have shoulder surgery which would have required a long recovery period and he did not think it would be appropriate for him to continue as Consul General.