US Consul General Gregory Slayton underlined the importance of the freedom of the press as he made his final public speech in Bermuda.

The departing dignitary said a free media is a key part of a civilised, democratic society — and that the best leaders are those that can respect other people's point of view.

Mr. Slayton said UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and former US President George Bush had to get used to criticism from newspapers in their own countries — accepting that "it is what it is".

In a farewell speech to Hamilton Rotarians, Mr. Slayton also said he hoped the Island's four former Guantánamo Bay detainees could be relocated in the States.

He said Mr. Bush and President Barack Obama were both in favour of allowing innocent Gitmo inmates to settle in America, but were thwarted by opposition from Congress.

Speaking about the media, he told Rotarians: "I'm a huge believer in freedom of the press. I think it's something that can't be underestimated."

Premier Ewart Brown has repeatedly complained about his press coverage, withdrawing Government's advertising from The Royal Gazette when it launched a transparency campaign and ordering his press officers to reduce contact with this newspaper.

Critics, including many in the Progressive Labour Party, say Dr. Brown wants to destabilise this newspaper and see an alternative set up which he could have more control over.

After making his speech, Mr. Slayton told this newspaper: "I think that what underscores a civil society, and is the best road to democracy, is the freedom of the press, as well as a strong, vigorous and vibrant Opposition party.

"The reality is that none of us are right all the time. When I'm wrong, my wife has no problem stepping up and telling me that.

"I think we can take the freedom of the press for granted. I have lived in nations where they do not have some of this freedom. We come to respect and appreciate these rights."

Giving his thoughts on Bermuda's media, Mr. Slayton continued: "You have to put it into context. We are a small island. I think Bermuda has a vigorous and strong media. Nobody is always right. I think we have to always be humble and accept we are not always right.

"Gordon Brown certainly does not feel openly appreciated by the UK press. Neither did President Bush feel the press gave him a fair shake. But you just have to move forward. It is what it is.

"The best leaders are those that can listen and respect that others have different points of view."

Like Governor Sir Richard Gozney and most of Dr. Brown's Cabinet, Mr. Slayton did not find out about the Uighurs until they were already in Bermuda.

He told Rotarians: "I was as surprised as anyone, but the fact of the matter is it's important that we keep in mind the 400 years of history, that we work together.

"I want to take my hat off to the Governor who's been a superb diplomat in this. I do believe we can work this out."

Asked by an audience member why the US had not accepted the Uighurs themselves, he replied that Congress had decided as a blanket policy not to take anyone from Guantánamo Bay.

"I personally hope that that changes soon," he said. "I think these four gentlemen were improperly imprisoned. We in the US owe them a life in the US.

"We are working behind the scenes. I'm hopeful we can find a resolution of this difficult issue."

He later explained to this newspaper that many Americans feel the Uighurs can be relocated in a large, prosperous Uighur community outside Washington, D.C.

Mr. Slayton, who was appointed head of the US mission in Bermuda by Mr. Bush in 2005, said he would leave at the end of August, although the exact date has not been fixed. He said his replacement has not yet been selected but would be in place within two months.