mighty good turn.

And as the wagon gains momentum, so it's pulling power for the Island strengthens.

With media interest in the undeclared US presidential candidate buzzing, his Bermudian ties have not passed unnoticed.

Take, for instance, the dynamiting in 1986 of a Castle Harbour coral reef near his Tucker's Town home.

Mr. Perot, apparently, had part of the reef blown up to dock his yacht by his luxury property.

The controversy has been revived by the international US magazine Time, whose story was then picked up by American TV network shows. Popular TV host Mr. Jay Leno even quipped about it on The Tonight Show.

It demonstrated, he joked, how the Texas billionaire liked to get his own way.

The story may prove politically explosive to the 62-year-old's campaign team -- but it's a good plug for Bermuda.

Time magazine, indeed, carried an aerial photo of Mr. Perot's seaside holiday hideaway in all its sunny glory.

Other American publications have also hooked on to the Bermudian connection.

The Oregonian of Portland carried a florid piece, brimming with glowing enthusiasm for Bermuda.

It kicks off: "When Ross Perot needs to get away -- from the friendly fire of Larry King or those nosy punks doing opposition research for the GDP -- he heads for this British colony in the mid-Atlantic.'' And it goes on: "Bermuda's appeal is not hard to figure. One of the wealthiest countries in the world, Bermuda is the microcosm of Perot's vision for America; few crimes or taxes; little poverty and less unemployment.'' Another part gushes: "For the rich and famous, the Bermuda Triangle still exists. They can sail to these islands and disappear inside the giant yawn the locals reserve for celebrity.'' In calmer terms, The Dallas Morning News also promoted the Island as a posh paradise.

"One of the reasons the Dallas billionaire doesn't create a stir is that Bermuda is home to numerous wealthy people from around the world, including many European industrialists,'' an article states.

Winsor Beach, lying near Mr. Perot's home, is cited as being one of the most beautiful in the world.

And the Mid Ocean Club is mentioned as well -- because Mr. Perot is a member and it has "hosted luminaries such as President Dwight D. Eisenhower and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill''.

Renowned magazine Money and international news agency Reuters have also cottoned on to the Perot-Bermuda connection.

Royal Gazette reporters can testify to a growing number of calls from American newshounds hungry for Perot yarns.

And with Bermuda finally finding the world map, one member at least of Perot's campaign team has expanded her geographical knowledge.

"Bermuda, where's that? Can you spell it please?'' she asked a Royal Gazette reporter in her Texan drawl.