Diplomatic Week Day 4: The Bahamas Introduces UNSC Candidature

Thursday 7th November 2024, Freeport, GB, The Bahamas

Day four of Diplomatic Week 2024 was centered around The Bahamas’ candidacy for two very prominent international bodies.

In the first session, entitled “Introduction of The Bahamas’ Candidatures to the Council of IMO ‘C’ 2026-27 and for a Non-Permanent Seat on the UNSC 2032-33, ministry leadership and ambassadors outlined the importance of The Bahamas having a seat at the table and a voice on these international forums.

The panel was hosted by Deputy Director General Ms. Keva Bain and it featured Director General HE Jerusa Ali, Ambassador to the OAS HE Chet Neymour,  Ambassador to the IMO HE Paul Rolle, Ambassador to China HE Dr Paulette Bethell, Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva HE Patricia Hermanns and Foreign Service Officer Gianne Dean,

The second panel, entitled “Understanding the Complexities of Immigration Management”, expounded on how The Bahamas can benefit from the waves of migration through proper management.

The panel was moderated by Ambassador-at-large for Human Rights HE Gezel Farrington. It featured Immigration Minister the Hon Alfred Sears, UN Country Coordinator HE Dennis Zulu, Mr. Patrice Quesada, Coordinator for the Caribbean and Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration, Ms. Jahara Jibrilu, project officer of the International Organization for Migration, and Mr. Crispin Major, Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in The Bahamas.

After a break, the third panel of the day: “Haiti: Security, Support and Solidarity” took place.

Moderated by Captain Chapell Whyms, and featuring National Security Minister the Hon. Wayne Munroe, H.E. Jerusa Ali, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
H.E. William Exantus, Haitian Chargé d’Affaires to The Bahamas
Ms. Kimberley Furnish, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to The Bahamas
Commander Julian Smith, Bahamian Chargé d’Affaires, Haiti. The panel talked about the Bahamas’ role in helping to provide security and stability in Haiti both materially on the ground and in the international arena rallying support through diplomacy.

The day concluded with a tour of the Grand Bahama container port.