NEWS Bermuda responds to R Family Vacations cancellation Duane Wells | April 23, 2007 Rosie O'Donnell with wife, Kelli LOS ANGELES — Bermuda Premier, Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Brown JP, MP responded yesterday to news reports regarding the cancellation of the Rosie O'Donnell hosted R Family Vacations Cruise previously scheduled to stop in Bermuda July 12th. In his statement, Premier Brown said, "Bermuda is a democracy that welcomes all people of all races, colours, creeds, and sexual orientation. While the government of Bermuda has done everything we can to welcome the Rosie O'Donnell-hosted cruise, we understand and respect their decision however saddened we are by it. We stress to the international community the Bermudian government's position of inclusion and acceptance of all who wish to visit our beautiful and friendly country." Gregg Kaminsky, CEO R Family Vacations, stated yesterday in the island's national newspaper, The Royal Gazette, "We know it is a small group of churches that do not welcome us. R Family Vacations has no issue with Bermuda. Anyone who asks me if Bermuda is gay-friendly I will respond 'yes.' "I have received many emails and phone calls from people, including the Premier, letting us know that we are welcome and it is much appreciated. However, we are concerned with some of the churches' comments and we did not want our guests to experience a similar situation that occurred in Nassau in 2004." The Premier finished his statement by saying, "Bermuda has always had a welcoming open-door policy to all visitors." – Issued by Gay Link Content Related stories R Family Vacations avoiding Bermuda due to protest concerns