Opposition Leader Kim Swan has praised departing US Consul General Gregory Slayton's work on the Island, calling his term "remarkably successful."

In a statement yesterday, Mr. Swan credited Mr. Slayton with strengthening Bermuda's relationship with the United States, while convincing Government to put less emphasis on connections with Cuba. We must give (Mr. Slayton) a great deal of credit for persuading the Progressive Labour Party to end it's misguided flirtation with the communist government in Cuba, and start paying serious attention, once again, to maintaining good relations with the US, which is by far our major trading partner," said Mr. Swan.

"I think Mr. Slayton saw that some in the PLP were encouraging a shift of focus from the west to the south, and realised that it would do neither of our countries any good in the long run.

"I am sure it was his active encouragement of closer, better relations that brought the PLP back to its senses and restored equilibrium to our relations with our neighbours and partners. The Slaytons will be sadly missed. They go with our best wishes for the future."