It would be a wiser policy to deal constructively with the American authorities on specific problems, rather than attempting to make the US government into an environmental whipping boy said National Liberal Party (NLP), vice chairman Graeme Outerbridge said.

In a statement yesterday Mr. Outerbridge attributed Bermuda's economic success to the US. And while he admitted that "the environmental damage is regrettable...we should be grateful for having a nuclear free and demilitarised zone".

He said: "The important thing is that Bermuda is getting significant land mass back some thirty five years ahead of time."

And he added Bermudians should give thanks to the US for all their help over the years.