A Bermudian author and motivational speaker has been honoured by former US President Bill Clinton.

Dennis Rahiim Watson was cited for fifteen years of leadership, dedication and service as founder, President and CEO of the National Black Youth Leadership Council.

In a letter of commendation, written before Mr. Clinton stepped down from office last week, the president wrote: "Dennis Watson and the members of your organisation have given hope and help to the youth of our nation.

"You have devoted your time, talents and energy to fulfil America's bright promise for all our people and you have rightly earned the respect and abiding gratitude of all those you have served.'' said the President.

Mr. Watson received the commendation as he retires from his position within the National Black Youth Leadership Council.

A NBYLC spokesperson said: "Dennis Rahiim Watson has for over 20 years lectured and conducted workshops on self-esteem, leadership, personal responsibility and success skills to millions of youth throughout America.

"(He) has received over 300 awards with his work with black youth nationwide including six White House Citations.'' she added.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette from the US, Mr. Watson called on the Bermudian government to bring Bermudians home.

"Now that we have a Bermudian government, Bermuda needs role models more than ever -- let's invite everybody back, bring everybody home.

"If we can't bring everybody home under a black government, what good is it having a black government! "I'm challenging Bermudians to take care of (each other), we need to be all the things we are to expatriates and tourists.

"This presidential citation is an opportunity to send a signal to Bermuda that excellence has to be the hallmark of every endeavour.

"And I receive this on behalf of all the Bermuda role models because I'm standing on their shoulders.'' Mr. Watson said Bermudians often return home with degrees and qualifications but forget themselves.

"Those degrees -- someone died for, someone paid for. Everything I do is an opportunity to say we must be role models for each other.

"If we really looked at what we've got we shouldn't have our heads down.

Often we have to back away to see what we've got.'' Mr. Watson will be travelling home this summer to promote his new book, Black Love in the Afternoon and said he would like to use his talents in Bermuda but has not been invited.