A few months ago, the Government announced that it was embarking on a round of cost-cutting.

Among the victims were, quite famously, this newspaper, which saw Government advertising spending reduced to zero and all Government subscriptions cut. Also promised was a review of the Government vehicle pool and a review of travel spending.

So far, the only one of these initiatives to be carried out is the advertising ban, which this newspaper continues to maintain has nothing to do with economising.

The vehicle review has supposedly been carried out, but as of yesterday has not been released. So far the only concrete decision to be taken has been the purchase of a new car for the Premier, and not just any car. The car is a BMW Series 7 – the same as the Governor's official car.

So Government's drive to reduce spending on its own vehicles has so far cost the taxpayer $90,000. There is no reason to doubt Works Minister Derrick Burgess' claim that the Peugeot purchased for then Premier Dame Jennifer Smith some nine years ago was no longer worth keeping on the road, but one would have thought that a replacement that was a little less fancy and cheaper to run than a high performance limousine would have been more in keeping these supposedly cost-conscious times.

And yes, perhaps the Governor could be urged to replace his BMW with something more conservative as well.

As for the Government's travel initiative, even less has been heard of that, except, apparently for the hiring of American Express to look at spending (and, of course, the Premier's own opinion that questions on that same Government travel are little more than "time wasting").

In the end, one must wonder just how serious this Government is about economising when it can spend $90,000 on a car. One would have thought the Premier would have wanted to lead by example, but apparently not.

Bermuda in Washington

Reports about Monday's meeting between US President George W. Bush and Premier Dr. Ewart Brown might well have led to fears that the third annual trip to Washington, DC was going to be a little more than a glorified photo-op.

The President and the Premier discussed the weather, how Bermuda might be able to lend the US some of its wealth, and grandchildren.

Bizarrely, the leader of the most powerful nation in the world also discussed the possibility of the US renting Clifton for the use of the nearby Consulate. With the Iraq war grinding on, the US economy in difficulties and so on, one would have thought President Bush had more important things to worry about.

But early yesterday morning, the trip turned out to have something of substance to report; an agreement to offer pre-clearance to private jet passengers travelling to the US.

While this may seem a minor perk for fat cats, it will undoubtedly enhance Bermuda's ability to attract some wealthy businessmen and women to Bermuda and is another selling point for Bermuda as an international business centre.

This is a win-win scenario, because the US welcomes the ability to stop undesirables from setting foot in the US, and they could just as well be travelling by private jet as they could by commercial airliner.

So Dr. Brown and US Consul General Gregory Slayton deserve credit for securing a small but significant agreement with the US.