Dealing with four expats from China who tend the greens at Port Royal Golf Course and play amateur football in their spare time might seem like a walk in the park for new US Consul General Grace Shelton.

This is a career diplomat who has spent much of her life trying to keep the peace in some of the most tense political environments across the world.

A few years ago, the Foreign Service deposited her in Nepal, a country torn by civil unrest where American security guards were killed and US businesses operated under the threat of being bombed.

Before that, she was in Minsk, Belarus, where relations with the US are strained and Americans have accused President Aleksandr Lukashenko of authoritarian rule.

She has also served in young independent nation Slovenia; and in Malaysia at a time when fierce US foreign policy critic Mahathir bin Mohamad was Prime Minister.

The after-effects of Premier Ewart Brown's controversial move to bring four former Guantánamo Bay detainees to Bermuda without permission from the UK or consultation with his colleagues seem relatively insignificant by comparison.

Ms Shelton is the first career diplomat appointed as the States' Consul General to Bermuda for many years; her predecessor Gregory Slayton had a background as a computer whizz kid.

Some say the selection is a wise choice. Dr. Brown threw Bermuda's foreign relationships into the international spotlight this summer, even if it was the UK rather than the US that was most annoyed with his Uighurs actions.

And with President Barack Obama's threat to crack down on so-called tax havens putting question marks over the future of international business on the Island, Ms Shelton could need to call on her experience to help keep relations smooth in the coming months.

"All the experience helps when you are trying to solve any problems that may come up," she told The Royal Gazette.

"Wherever I have been, I try to make sure the relationship stays on an even keel.

"All the past experience comes into play; knowing people back in Washington; knowing the different possibilities of what can be done.

"Washington likes it when the relationship is just smooth. They would be surprised if difficulties cropped up with Bermuda.

"I'm here to try to deepen our relationship, which is already strong."

Ms Shelton said she was unable to go into lengthy detail on the political circumstances surrounding her previous posts.

But a Nepal News article from December 2004, highlighting a travel warning issued by the State Department, shows it was not exactly always plain sailing.

"The vehement anti-American rhetoric (of the Maoists), killing of its two security guards, bombings of and threats to American or American affiliated business enterprises, an attack on an American NGO worker in Dolpa are some of the reasons why the American government is concerned about the security situation in Nepal," states that article.

"As a result, they have advised Americans to defer non-essential travel to Nepal."

The report contains this comment from Ms Shelton, who was political/economic section chief at the embassy: "We urge the Maoists to take up the government's offer for peace talks.

"We want peaceful, prosperous and democratic Nepal."

Ms Shelton said she does not believe she was given the Bermuda role due to her background, insisting she was simply available at the right time for a quick handover from Mr. Slayton.

"We wanted to make sure that there was not a long gap between Consul Generals," she said.

Her appointment as the first ever female Consul General to Bermuda has won applause from women groups on the Island.

Ms Shelton said: "It's exciting to be honest. I'm proud to be the first woman Consul General. Women can offer a different view.

"In the US, we have the same issues of numbers and representation.

"We always have to look at ways to make sure women's points of view, perspective and voices are heard."

Her selection came so quickly she has yet to receive an in-depth briefing from Washington; her immediate tasks are the same as those faced by any newcomer to the Island: find a place to live, get used to the beautiful scenery and don't forget to put on the factor 50 — although unlike Mr. Slayton she won't be wearing baseball caps the whole time.

"I had never been to Bermuda before, but when I think of Bermuda it has always raised positive connotations," she said.

"The pink beaches, business, financial services, I had friends who honeymooned here.

"I look forward to getting to know Bermuda and its people. I appreciate the warm welcome that's been extended to me so far."