Yesterday we witnessed a great American tradition – that of the orderly transfer of power from one President to another, from one administration to its successor – and, in this case, from one political party to another.

The ability to change directions, parties and leaders peacefully is a hallmark of democracy – and another important tradition that the US and Bermuda share.

The inauguration of a new President – a tradition dating back to George Washington in 1789 – offers a unique opportunity for America and our allies to come together with new US leadership and to look forward ... together.

As President Obama embarks upon his historic presidency – a presidency beset by challenges of extraordinary proportions – he is knocking down barriers that used to divide us while forging links that help bind us together.

Certainly he faces a daunting array of challenges. But we must remember the adage: It is out of challenge that opportunity presents itself.

President Obama took the Oath of Office yesterday. Today he has promised to start getting America back on track.

And it is certainly a hopeful sign that he has started out by building bridges of understanding and partnership in Washington itself.

His new Cabinet is a perfect example of that.

His appointments include men and women; a wide range of ethnicities; Republicans and Democrats – but all highly qualified and universally admired. He has called for an end to petty partisan politics – and to make the common good our common denominator.

Republican Presidential candidate Sen. John McCain has answered that call.

With his gracious concession speech on Election Night he showed one of the best traditions in American politics as he extended his commitment to support and work with soon-to-be President Obama.

And less than a month after their electoral battle, President-Elect Obama and Senator McCain got together to chart ways that they might partner to help move America forward. Not as Republicans or Democrats, but as American leaders who are committed first and foremost to those they serve: the people of the United States of America.

The election of Barack Obama has many lessons for all of us, and they are good ones too.

But perhaps President Obama's most important message is that positive change requires partnership not partisanship, and that real leadership is about building bridges instead of walls.

Those are lessons that all of us would be wise to heed.

I am deeply honoured that President Obama and his new State Department Team have asked me to stay on as US Consul General to Bermuda.

I only hope that, like our new President and together with your help, we can continue to build bridges of peace and partnership between the USA and Bermuda that will lead to positive change – and stand the test of time.

The Honourable Gregory W. Slayton is the United States Consul General to Bermuda