U.S. Attorney General vows to help with Baselands cleanup fight

Eric Holder said he understood that the state of the areas, which comprises Kindley Air Force Base and Morgan’s Point, is of “great concern” to islanders.

He said yesterday he was hopeful the two countries could work towards a resolution.

Both bases were left in a mess when the Americans departed and today are littered with rubbish including mercury, paint, batteries and oil.

Issue

Mr. Holder admitted Premier Dr. Ewart Brown had been “very forceful” in raising the issue of the Baselands cleanup during their talks.

He added: “I shared privately my views with the Premier as to how the United States might help in that regard.

“Our hope is to try to work through a number of issues but that is a topic raised by your Premier very forcefully, as he can be, and I will take back to Washington the concerns that were expressed.

“Our hope is that we can work our way through that issue. Your Premier was very forceful in raising that issue.”

Dr. Brown said the partnership between Bermuda and the U.S. continues to flourish.

He described the talks with the Attorney General as “productive”, adding: “I have been encouraged that we will continue to work closely together on issues of mutual interest.”

Mr. Holder maintained that the U.S. and Bermuda shared many priorities, such as the elimination of gang violence and drug trafficking.

He said: “This visit has provided me with the opportunity to discuss our mutual concerns and goals and to build on the progress we’ve made in advancing our common interests and overcoming our common challenges.”

When asked about Bermuda’s decision to take in the Uyghurs, Mr. Holder said it had been a “critical step” towards the closure of Guantanamo Bay.