The Premier's race relations consultant Rolfe Commissiong is to head up a new programme aimed at helping Bermudians on the stop list get access to the United States.

Premier Ewart Brown this morning announced Government’s Visa Waiver Assistance Programme would encourage hundreds of Bermudians, mainly black males, to apply for visa waivers from the United States.

Dr. Brown said the recent Mincy Report had shown how many people have an aversion to the kinds of forms and soft skills required when applying for visa waivers.

The appointment of Mr. Commissiong, who holds a visa waiver himself, has been welcomed by US Consul Grace Shelton, the Premier told the House of Assembly.

* For the full story, see tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.