BAHAMAS HOSTS 43RD ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE RECEPTION – GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

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H.E. Rhoda M. Jackson delivers remarks during the reception on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of independence of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas

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H.E. Rhoda M. Jackson (second from left) with H.E. Mr. Pierre André Dunbar, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Haiti to the United Nations in Geneva (first from left), H.E. Mr. Luc-Joseph Okio, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Congo to the United Nations in Geneva (second from right) and H.E. Mr. Eloi Laourou, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Benin to the United Nations in Geneva (first from right) 

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H.E. Rhoda M. Jackson (middle) with H.E. Keith Harper, Human Rights Ambassador of the United States to the United Nations (left) and Ms. Laura Thompson, Deputy Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (right)

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H.E. Rhoda M. Jackson (middle) and officers of the Mission, Ms. Tia Hanna, First Secretary (right) and Ms. Sasha Dixon, Second Secretary (left) during cutting of the cake.

On 12 July, 2016, H.E. Rhoda M. Jackson, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of The Bahamas to the United Nations Office in Geneva and staff of the Mission, hosted the diplomatic community and members of the Bahamian diaspora in Geneva, Switzerland to a reception on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of independence of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.   Guests were treated to tastes, sights, and sounds of The Bahamas through Bahamian food, music as well as local scenery digitally displayed throughout the evening.

In her welcoming remarks, Ambassador Jackson recalled that this year, The Bahamas was honouring the proud heritage of Independence Day Observance under the theme “Honouring our People’s Excellence”.    In noting the remarkable strides which the country has made over the years, she also reflected upon the journey of The Bahamas in first establishing its Mission in Geneva in 2013 and achievements in this regard.  The Ambassador also reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Government to promoting human rights for all and, in this regard, announced its intention to seek election to the Human Rights Council in 2018, which would serve to strengthen the voice of Small Island Developing States in such fora.