Dr. Esther Mary de Gourville presents her credentials

14 December

Nassau, Bahamas — Dr. Esther Mary de Gourville, Representative of the PAHO/WHO to The Bahamas officially presented her credentials to Ms. Sheila Carey, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration and reaffirmed the Pan American Health Organization’s commitment to assisting the Government of The Bahamas, through the Ministry of Health and other local health organizations, in addressing the nation’s health related challenges. In her capacity as the organization’s representative, Dr. de Gourville seeks to utilize a more inclusive engagement policy which encourages interaction with all governmental and non-governmental agencies in the country, especially as the Organization plans to promote the passing of legislation against tobacco and alcohol use. In the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, Dr. de Gourville acknowledged the physical damage sustained and implied that there is also a need to address the psychological effects of natural disasters.

Attention was drawn to the PAHO’s Smart Hospitals initiative, which will support Caribbean nations in improving their healthcare facilities while having safer, ecofriendly and disaster resilient hospitals.

Pictured L-R Mrs. Sharon Brennen-Haylock, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration of The Bahamas; Dr. Esther Mary de Gourville, Representative of PAHO/WHO to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Ms. Sheila Carey, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration of The Bahamas; and Mr. Eugene Newry, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration of The Bahamas.