The opening of a new US pre-clearance centre at the LF Wade International Airport was celebrated during a ceremony last week.

The US Consulate General in Hamilton and visitors from the US Customs and Border Protection Service joined forces on Tuesday to highlight the longstanding relationship between the US, UK and Bermuda.

David Burt, the Premier, said during the ceremony at the airport: “Today, we dedicate this new facility in our new LF Wade International Airport to celebrate the old and valued partnership between our two countries, which has been maintained for over 400 years.

“Our strong strategic ties expand over vital areas such as aviation, space, marine research, international business, and most importantly today, law enforcement and border security including the pre-clearance programme.”

William Ferrara, the Executive Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Field Operations, and Bruce Todd, the Pre-clearance Director of Field Operations, flew from Washington DC in what was the first visit of senior-level CBPS members to the island.

Rena Lalgie, the Governor, and Tom Edwardsen, the outgoing acting US Consul General, also spoke at the event.

A spokeswoman for the US Consulate said that the pre-clearance facility at LF Wade was their “newest and most modern facility” of all the countries they served in.

She added that CBPS would always work with Bermuda law enforcement to protect the interests of both countries.

The spokeswoman said: “Pre-clearance in Bermuda plays an integral part in ensuring that, while we protect our people and our borders, we continue to enhance the USA’s economic prosperity through the facilitation of legitimate trade and travel.”