United States Consulate Press Affairs Officer Astrid Black took issue with former UBP candidate Christian Dunleavy's assertion that the PLP government's relations with Washington are narrow. Black wrote in today's Royal Gazette:

We write in response to Mr. Dunleavy's opinion piece printed in the October 8 issue of your paper. We would like to set the record straight with respect to the last two diplomatic visits to Washington. During those visits Premier Brown and Consul General Slayton have met with a wide cross-section of American leaders, including President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, House members from both political parties and the following Senators:

■ Sen. Max Baucus (D – MT)

■ Sen. John Ensign (R – NV)

■ Sen. Lamar Alexander (R – TN)

■ Sen. Mel Martinez (R – FL)

■ Sen. Norman Coleman (R – MN)

■ Sen. Susan Collins (R – Maine)

■ Sen. David Vitter (R – LA)

■ Sen. John McCain (R- AZ)

■ Sen. Sam Brownback (R – KS)

■ Sen. Barack Obama (D – IL)

In addition, we have met with senior staff of the following agencies:

■ The Department of the Treasury

■ The Department of Commerce

■ The Department of State

■ The Department of Homeland Security

We do not wish to ever take sides in any domestic political debates here in Bermuda. We do, however, have a duty to keep the facts straight.

The fact is that, working closely with Consul General Slayton, the PLP government and Premier Brown have cultivated strong relations with the United States and we look forward to continuing those good relations.