Bahamas Inter-Ministerial Delegation Pays Visit to DC
WASHINGTON, D.C., USA. 12 December 2025 — An inter-ministerial delegation from The Bahamas has recently concluded a series of impactful meetings in Washington, D.C from 1-5 December, 2025. The visit was aimed at strengthening national capacity in chemical safety, chemical security, defence threat reduction, and support for the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
(L-R) Ms. Launa Williams, Ms. Krissy Hanna_Lundy, Ms. Tiffany Moss, Mr John Roker, Ms. Gian Dean, Amb. Wendall Jones, Amb. Ron Pinder, Mr. Dexter Bain, Mr. Ronard Hall.
The programme also included site visits to the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Center in Aberdeen, Maryland; a U.S. Coast Guard Station in Annapolis, Maryland; as well as aTechnical Equipment Inspection site in Chantilly, Virginia.
The Delegation was comprised of Ambassador-at-Large for Environment and Energy, HE Ron O. Pinder, National Authority, Deputy Director General and Head of the Multilateral and Political Affairs Bureau, Ms. Gian Dean, Acting Director at the Department of Environmental Health Services, Ms. Launa Williams, Chief Compliance Officer at the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs, Mrs. Tiffany Moss, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Leading Seaman Ronard Hall, Deputy of the Counter-Terrorism Unit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Inspector John Roker and Chief Customs Officer of the Risk Management Unit at The Bahamas Customs Department, Mr. Dexter Bain
The visit formed part of The Bahamas’ ongoing partnership with the OPCW under the National Authority Mentorship/Partnership Programme, which pairs experienced States Parties with those seeking to enhance their national frameworks and operational readiness further.
Hosted by the United States Department of State in its role as mentor, the programme provided the delegation with briefings from multiple U.S. agencies and technical experts in CWC implementation, legislative drafting, national security, chemical regulation, emergency preparedness, and defence policy.
Discussions focused on best practices in:
These engagements offered a valuable platform for exchange, enabling The Bahamas to deepen its understanding of effective CWC compliance and strengthen its ability to oversee and secure chemical activities across government and industry.
The insights gained will support ongoing efforts to reinforce national authority capabilities, strengthen emergency planning, enhance interagency coordination, and further bolster national security, while contributing to global efforts to prevent the proliferation or misuse of toxic chemicals.
The delegation expressed its appreciation to the United States for its robust programme and productive site visits in the spirit of partnership. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of both States to uphold international norms and promote the safe, secure, and peaceful use of chemistry.
Additionally, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Wendall K. Jones, Ambassador of The Bahamas to the United States of America, and staff, and toured the newly renovated Embassy. A courtesy visit was also made to the staff of the Permanent Mission of The Bahamas to the Organization of American States.
The Bahamas looks forward to continued cooperation with the OPCW Technical Secretariat and regional partners as it advances its national implementation obligations and strengthens chemical safety and security across the archipelago.