Minister’s Remarks at Meet and Greet Reception- Bahamas House, New York

22 September, 2017

Minister’s Remarks at Meet and Greet Reception- Bahamas House, New York

Ambassador Carey,

Staff Members of The Bahamas Offices,

Fellow Bahamians and Friends,

Good evening.

It is always an honour for me to be among so many of my fellow Bahamians and friends of The Bahamas. Today is no exception. However, permit me firstly to offer thoughts and prayers, and those of my wife, Deidre, to those in the USA, the Caribbean and at home who have experienced loss and devastation due to the recent, unprecedented, extreme weather events, Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. We have sent Notes to the respective countries expressing solidarity and deepest regrets to those affected by these recent extreme weather events.

With parts of The Bahamas still recovering from Hurricanes Joaquin and Matthew, we were fortunate, by the grace of God, to be spared most of the wrath of Hurricane Irma. However, our brothers and sisters in the Southern Bahamas were not similarly spared. There has been catastrophic damage on Ragged Island, which is now virtually uninhabitable.

As said by the Hon. Prime Minister in his recent address in the House of Assembly, “This is the first time in the modern history of The Bahamas that an entire island has witnessed the wholesale destruction of its infrastructure, both public and private”. Because Hurricane Irma did not make a direct hit on MICAL, the damage was not as severe; however, Salina Point, Acklins, has experienced significant damage, where much of the road to Salina Point has been uprooted, and there is other damage on Acklins. The dock at Landrail Point, Crooked Island, sustained major damage, and there is minor damage to other structures. There is damage to homes and businesses on Inagua, Bimini and Grand Bahama.

Friends, there will be a long road to recovery and renewal. My meeting with you today, therefore, could not be taking place at a more propitious time.

While I have travelled to New York primarily to deliver The Bahamas’ national statement to the 72^nd Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly, I rate the opportunity to speak to the Bahamian Diaspora as equally important. In our Manifesto and on the campaign trail, we emphasised initiatives to engage the Diaspora relative to national development. As the Prime Minister recently declared, “We are dedicated also to stabilising public finances, reforming government and addressing official corruption.

Our programme of reform and transformation includes new thinking about the role of government, as we create new and innovative partnerships for national development”. We see this in the utilisation of the gifts and resourcefulness of the Bahamian Diaspora. That process of engagement is well underway, as we examine and modify the mechanisms by which we register and communicate with Bahamians living abroad. We recognise how much you have to offer, and we recognise how much you are needed. Though The Bahamas is a small country, when we work together, we can achieve big things!

To this end, my Ministry has already begun the process to reengage Bahamians living abroad. We not only share in the history of The Bahamas, but we also share in its future. As a part of this re-engagement process, we are updating and expanding databases kept by Missions for the express purpose of drawing on this group as a source of potential investors and consultants. The process of re-engagement is a multifaceted one, and it must be mutual. It calls for creativity in our approach to incorporating the vast and varying talents that exist within the Bahamian Diaspora. We are not unaware of the challenges many have faced when trying to invest in The Bahamas. The Prime Minister has committed this Government to cutting the red tape and long waits many have experienced when seeking to invest in The Bahamas. This is a new time. This is the time for you to re-engage.

The collaboration between Bahamians abroad and at home, I am confident, will produce the innovation and creativity needed to help The Bahamas thrive in today’s hyper-competitive environment. In reconnecting people, we must also ensure they are reconnected to the resources and opportunities available in The Bahamas. The Prime Minister gave the example a couple weeks ago, in Atlanta, that, if there is not a Bahamian consultant available at home, the Government will first consider Bahamians overseas before hiring a foreign consultant. Assisting in this effort will be an overseas council, which will be tasked with promoting opportunities for Bahamians wishing to return home.

I know there are those in The Bahamian Diaspora who have permanently made a home outside of The Bahamas. That is understandable. We must each follow our own path and realise the purpose He has set for us. However, this is not the case for all. Some of you have contemplated returning to The Bahamas, but have been dissuaded by various factors. I want to implore you to reconsider. Particularly you young Bahamians who have gone into the world and have gained qualifications, expertise and experience that can undoubtedly benefit The Bahamas. Do not be deceived: There is a place for you in The Bahamas; there are opportunities for you in The Bahamas. Never forget that this is your country, and you have the right to be a part of its development. You have the right to build the country you want to see. Now is the time for you to do just that. This is the time for you to return home.

It is no secret that the current state of The Bahamian economy leaves much to be desired. While we must continue to give God thanks for where He has brought us, we must also recognise the gifts with which He has endowed us as a people, and bring them to bear to combat the difficulties we are facing. From corruption, to crime, to bureaucratic inertia and unemployment: These are the roadblocks we must overcome to gain the growth that we all desire. We must revitalise our economy, and that can only happen with an injection of fresh ideas, and bold and innovative solutions to these challenges. Economic revitalisation would have cascading results, positively impacting the quality of life for our citizens and making the business and tourist experience of our visitors more beneficial and enjoyable. The Bahamian Diaspora must be a part of that revitalisation. We must take the challenges and use them as the fertile soil from which prosperity, success and tranquillity may blossom. We are admonished that for everything there is a season. I suggest that this is the time for revitalisation.

Ladies and Gentleman,

This is the time for The Bahamas to enter its greatest season yet. All of her sons and daughters and friends have a role in her progress. Not age, not colour, nor religion or economic status, not even distance must deter us from coming together in this effort. We have said that we want you to play your part; now you must hold us to our word. As we go about this, let us support one another, hold each other accountable, and, at the end, let us celebrate together.

I thank you all for joining us today, and pray continued blessings for you and your families.”