Minister Mitchell Welcomes IFRC President at Annual HCC Luncheon

Nassau, The Bahamas, The Honourable Frederick A. Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, delivered remarks at the Annual Honorary Consular Corps (HCC) Luncheon on 30 January 2026, thanking members of the Diplomatic Corps and Honorary Consuls for their continued partnership and service, while outlining The Bahamas’ Consular, Foreign, and Multilateral Policy Priorities.

The luncheon, the first such gathering for the year, brought together the Honorary Consular Corps with representatives of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. In attendance were Madam Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), members of her delegation, and Mr. Edison Sumner, President of the Bahamas Red Cross Society, who also serves as Honorary Consul for the Republic of Namibia. Brief remarks were delivered by President Forbes, underscoring the global humanitarian mission of the Red Cross Movement and the importance of strong partnerships.

In his address, Minister Mitchell highlighted the evolving nature of diplomacy amid increasing global uncertainty and ongoing challenges to the rules-based international system. He described Honorary Consuls as trusted bridge-builders operating at the intersection of diplomacy, service, and community engagement, noting their vital role as problem-solvers, facilitators, and first points of contact for nationals in distress. He emphasized that modern diplomacy increasingly takes place on the ground, in communities, and during crises, and that humanitarian action represents diplomacy in its most compassionate form.

The Minister placed particular importance on the work of the IFRC, describing it as one of the clearest expressions of international solidarity in action. He reaffirmed The Bahamas’ commitment to International Humanitarian Law and humanitarian principles and announced the recent passage of the Bahamas Red Cross Society (Amendment) Bill in the House of Assembly on 21 January 2026. The amended legislation strengthens the operational framework supporting the Bahamas Red Cross Society, enhances disaster preparedness and response, facilitates closer cooperation, and formally recognises the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies within The Bahamas’ legal framework.

Minister Mitchell also reaffirmed The Bahamas’ regional solidarity, noting continued support for humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts in Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. He stressed that effective humanitarian response requires not only emergency action, but sustained recovery, preparedness, integrity-driven partnerships, and clear coordination mechanisms. He further highlighted the importance of pre-positioning resources, early financial assistance, and established operating procedures, noting that preparation saves lives and accelerates recovery.