Ministry of Foreign Affairs Budget Debate Contribution HON. DARREN A. HENFIELD, M.P. MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS 8 JUNE 2020

Mr. Speaker,

I rise this evening on behalf of the proud, strong, and ever resilient people of the great constituency of North Abaco, who saw it fit to elect me to this honourable place some three years ago. I am mindful that it is upon their shoulders I stand, and without them my place here today would not be possible – and for that Mr. Speaker I am eternally grateful.

Let me begin by once more expressing on behalf of my wife and family our profound condolences to the families that loss loved ones during the passage of Hurricane Dorian. Please know that our thoughts and prayers remain with you all as we continue to work through the processes of bringing closure where possible.

 

Mr. Speaker,

The past three years have undoubtedly been plagued with a number of challenges. We—in North and Central Abaco and the surrounding Cays—continue the long, challenging and hard road to recovery and restoration, following the most unwelcomed visit to our shores by hurricane Dorian;; a ferocious category 5 storm that decimated our island, leaving behind widespread destruction, damaging thousands of homes, several schools, clinics, roads and infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, Dorian was the worst storm to make landfall in The Bahamas since 1851, when these records first saw their genesis. When it was all over Mr. Speaker, Dorian had left behind a total of $3.4 billion in damages according to the Inter-­American Development Bank (IDB) – almost twice as much as our projected revenue for this upcoming fiscal period.

Mr. Speaker this clearly underscores the severe difficulties that we as a country are facing from a fiscal standpoint, as we continue to balance ongoing recovery efforts in Abaco and Grand Bahama, with the continued provision of normal public services to the rest of The Bahamas.

 

It is no secret Mr. Speaker that the majority of The Bahamas’ population is concentrated on the island of New Providence, and that much of our family islands remain largely unvisited by many Bahamians, but for those of us who knew Abaco pre-­Dorian, upon traveling to the island in the wake of this monster storm, the beautiful gem that we once knew was now virtually unrecognizable. Mr. Speaker, one would only need to fly over the island, and on approach to the Leonard Thompson or Treasure Cay International Airports, would’ve witnessed what can only be described as a scene out of a warzone. In a matter of hours Mr. Speaker, entire livelihoods were completely erased;; homes, belongings, and yes, even family members lost and lives shattered, as mother-­nature ruthlessly violated our peaceful island.

Mr. Speaker, as an Abaco Member of Parliament, I can recall the absolute fear, and feelings of trepidation while being advised by researchers and meteorologists that the strongest storm ever to pass through the Atlantic Ocean was about to make a direct hit to the island that I not only call home, but where thousands of Bahamians that I represent waited in terror, dreading what was to come. Mr. Speaker I recall sadly, having to balance the duty of warning residents to leave and seek shelter immediately, while facing the grim reality that this storm, considered as “Category Hell” was about to mercilessly wreak havoc on our beloved island, changing the lives of Abaconians forever.

Mr. Speaker, what do you do now after seeing entire communities erased, observing only tiles, damaged kitchen appliances and property foundations that serve as a chilling reminder and geographic indicator of where homes once stood. Steel frame buildings, and shipping containers crumpled like discarded paper, and the entire island basically flattened as if an atomic bomb had just been detonated. The only response to such a disaster Mr. Speaker, especially for the industrious people of Abaco, was to rebuild.

Mr. Speaker, the road to recovery has been paved with many challenges, but it has also been met with opportunity. Along with the Managing Director of the Disaster and Reconstruction Authority, Katherine Forbes Smith, and her team, and Local Government practitioners, I have participated in a number of Town Hall Meetings in North Abaco, aimed at informing constituents of the Government’s programs intended to aide our recovery. The meetings serve, among other things, two very essential purposes.

First, to update constituents on recovery efforts and second;; to hear their views and concerns as to what the Government might be doing better to ameliorate their conditions. Mr. Speaker, while the Bahamas has indeed been the victim of severe hurricanes over the past decades, Hurricane Dorian however, was like none other, and has caused widespread generational damage, that will likely still be felt by our children and grandchildren in years to come. None of us have been this way before and we must work together to achieve the best possible result.

The Disaster and Reconstruction Authority launched its “Small Home Repair Program” in Abaco on the 10th of February and from all accounts, it appears to be going well and making relatively good progress. I am advised that as at 31 May, 2020 more than three thousand, two hundred (3,200) applications have been received from the impacted residents of Abaco and Grand Bahama whose homes were destroyed or damaged during the passage of Hurricane Dorian. Of this number Mr. Speaker, there are some one thousand and seventy-­three (1,073) applicants from Abaco, of which almost 60% of those have already been approved to receive funding to assist with renovating their homes. Those remaining Mr. Speaker, are either still required to upload additional documents or are pending approval. I am advised that some $1.87 million has already been spent in the form of purchase orders that have been issued to homeowners for the purchase of construction materials from hardware supply stores on Abaco and Grand Bahama.

I want to encourage Abaconians to get their documents into the small home repair office at the Government Complex or upload online (where you can) in an effort to complete your application for processing;; I understand persons in the Cays are also registering and I want to encourage all Bahamians living in the Cays and mainland Abaco who meet the criteria to continue to register for assistance. It is up to the home owner to complete the registration with all required documents so the process can move as quickly as possible. If there are challenges with the registration process, let us know so that they might be urgently addressed.

 

I am pleased to advise the office is open in Abaco and I trust residents will take advantage of the opportunity to receive much needed assistance. I am also pleased to report Mr. Speaker that in light of the COVID-­19 pandemic, the Disaster and Reconstruction Authority is now able to continue program registrations and home assessments in Abaco through the use of an RV that has been donated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Rotary. The programme will now be able to move throughout the northern communities. It is also envisaged that the Technical Assistance Programme in conjunction with the UNDP will assist with the implementation of best practices with regard to construction.

 

Mr. Speaker, there have been a total of thirty-­two (32) temporary housing domes erected in Spring City, with an additional one hundred and seventy-­three (173) to be erected on the properties of various homeowners while they monitor the rebuilding of their homes. I am advised that this process has begun today, June 8th and that the Authority is currently working along with Social Services to ensure that persons meet the criteria set. Mr. Speaker, one would have had to have his or her home destroyed as a result of Hurricane Dorian, must be a Bahamian, and either a senior citizen, disabled, or a family with minor children in order to qualify.

 

Mr. Speaker, the Disaster and Reconstruction Authority is also working on permanent housing solutions for the residents of Abaco. The Authority is currently completing an agreement to construct forty-­six (46) homes in Central Pines, Abaco. Mr. Speaker the Government of The Bahamas will be responsible for the provision of land, and the development of infrastructure, and the selected company will then construct the homes with increased levels of resiliency and incorporating “Build Back Better Policies”. (Murphy Town, potential)

 

Additionally Mr. Speaker, a pre-­qualification notice has been issued to the entire public inviting Bahamian businesses to submit proposals for the development of a mixed-­use residential development to be constructed in Spring City and Wilson City in Abaco. Mr. Speaker, two (2) -­ sixty (60) acre lots have been provided by the Government for this development.

 

Mr. Speaker to date, there have been mountains of debris that have been cleared, so much so that debris management sites have now become overwhelmed. I am advised that the debris management site at Spring City has already been expanded due to excessive volumes. This again emphasizes the absolute mayhem that Dorian unleashed on our communities. To remediate this issue Mr. Speaker, the Authority has published Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for debris management, to which sixty-­three (63) companies have already responded.

 

Mr. Speaker, RFPs are currently being developed for the demolition of the Treasure Cay Airport building, as the Authority examines possible temporary housing solutions for a new facility.

Mr. Speaker, construction is ongoing at the SC Bootle High School, Cooper’s Town Primary, Central Abaco Primary School and Amy Roberts School in Green Turtle Cay. There remains some work to be done to the school at Grand Cay.

 

With respect to assisting our entrepreneurs in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian Mr. Speaker, the Small Business Development Center has already approved forty nine (49) applications for funding for residents of Abaco. Over seven hundred and thirty-­six thousand dollars ($736,000.00) in grants, some five hundred andseventy thousand dollars ($570,000) in micro loans, and three hundred and thirty-­five thousand dollars ($335,000) in guaranteed loans have been received by business owners on the island of Abaco.

 

Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to announce that the Authority has identified a location for the development of a Community Center/Hurricane Shelter on Abaco. This project is being developed through the deepening of our diplomatic relations with the Republic of India, which I will touch on later in my contribution.

 

Mr. Speaker, perhaps of greatest importance to the people of Abaco is the restoration of electricity. I am aware of the burdens that many Abaconians are currently experiencing. Hurricane Dorian completely obliterated the electrical grid in Central and North Abaco. Transmission and distribution systems were completely destroyed. Bahamas Power and Light is working feverishly along with the Ministry of Public works to ensure that homes are properly inspected and reconnected in the quickest time possible. BPL is also working to bring temporary generation sites online in an attempt to bring much needed relief to residents.

 

To date, electrical supply has been restored in areas of Cooper’s Town, Fox Town, Blackwood, Crown Haven, Fire Road, Wood Cay, Cedar Harbour and Mount Hope. Supply has also been restored to parts of Moore’s Island, Central Abaco and Green Turtle Cay, with ongoing work to transmission and distribution systems on Man-­o-­War Cay and Elbow Cay. I trust that my Honourable Friend from Carmichael will also shed light on these matters when he takes the floor.

 

Additionally, Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank the Executive Chairman of the Water & Sewerage Corporation— the Honourable Member from Long Island—for the work they continue to do to restore our water supplies. On 23 May, the Corporation signed two groundbreaking contracts to assist our post-­Dorian recovery in Treasure Cay and Marsh Harbour, where substantial infrastructure was destroyed.

 

As such, I wish now to commend the Managing Director and her team for their efforts—thus far—and to assure her of my full cooperation and support toward making Abaco whole again. Mr. Speaker, please permit me at this juncture to personally thank individuals like Bishop Silbert Mills, Fred Gottlieb, Jeremy Sweeting and, recently appointed, Mrs. Gisselle McKintosh of Abaco that also serve on the Disaster and Reconstruction Authority, and have been strong voices in advancing both the suggestions and concerns of their fellow residents during the reconstruction process. Only together with—the Government, the International

Community, the Private Sector, Non-­Governmental Organizations (Domestic and Foreign), Civil Society and we who are the victims—can effectively answer the challenge of Dorian.

 

That said, Mr. Speaker, this is not a popular thing to say in the midst of what we face, but it’s the truth, no country our size—in fact even larger countries—can effectively respond to a catastrophic event the size of Dorian without considered help from others. Mr. Speaker, it would be remiss of me not to offer my sincerest gratitude to the numerous NGO’s that have assisted us in this fight;; The Bahamas Red Cross, The United Nations Development Programme, Samaritan’s Purse, Church by The Sea, UNICEF, The Lyford Cay Foundation, The Albany Foundation, All Hands and Hearts, and the GEMS organization, just to name a few.

 

Mr. Speaker, while we continue to grapple with the aftermath of Dorian, we find ourselves in the midst of the deadly COVID-­19 pandemic that has left virtually no country unscathed. This virus has taken its toll not only on the thousands of lives that have been lost globally, but also on the world economy. There are over five (5) million confirmed cases globally and the disease has claimed the lives of greater than three hundred and fifty thousand (350,000) persons. Global trade continues to decline rapidly, falling even faster than global GDP, with forecasts showing it to be the worst recession in eighty (80) years. Furthermore, the World Bank has warned that up to sixty (60) million people will be pushed into ‘extreme poverty’ due to the coronavirus and the bank expects global economic growth to shrink by 5% this year as nations deal with the pandemic.

 

Mr. Speaker, for any country, making the hard decisions of restricting movement and implementing tough policies, or facing the harsh realities that even many first-­world countries are now experiencing, which are seemingly innumerable cases of the virus and thousands of accompanied deaths seems like an easy choice, but the difficult economic impact to citizens however, is an unfortunate consequence. Regrettably, The Bahamas will not be spared as economic conditions worsen and this has been outlined in detail by the Deputy Prime Minister during his introduction of the 2020/2021 Budget. Tough decisions will have to be made in the days and months ahead;; however, by the grace of God, with the exercise of fiscal prudence and strict management of our resources, we shall get through the difficult times that lie ahead of us.

Just before I leave North Abaco to address the ministry for which I have carriage, Mr. Speaker, permit me to say to the people of Little Abaco that we are working with Chief Councilor Garnet Edgecombe and his Local Government Team to erect your much needed cemetery on land already identified.

I know we still have quite a ways to go, but I also know that we have made positive steps in the right direction. I only ask your continued hard work, teamwork and cooperation as we build back a bigger, better, more resilient Abaco.

 

Mr. Speaker,

In 2017, the Government of The Bahamas mandated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen, enhance and grow our country’s relationship with the international community. Likewise, we were also tasked with doing our part to strengthen our country’s security and economy. Today, I can report that we continue to make our best efforts toward achieving these mandates. We remain steadfast in our exertions to protect and preserve our country’s sovereignty while keenly executing our policies both at home and abroad.

 

And so, I take this opening to publicly thank the committed staff of the Ministry, for their patriotism and resolve toward making our country the best it can be despite the many varied challenges we encounter daily.

 

To date, the Ministry has accomplished much of what we set out to do in this budget period. We are very proud of hiring of eight (8) qualified and extremely focused young Bahamians as Foreign Service Officers. They have undergone the requisite professional training in preparation of their role in protecting this country’s interest wherever they are assigned. A vibrant, committed team of officers is critically important in transforming the Ministry and for the advancement of our foreign policy.

 

As we forge ahead and seek to establish greater diplomatic relations, gain a more strategic presence and become more actively engaged as members of international organizations, we seek to recruit and prepare new officers to take on these challenges as soon as our fiscal circumstances permit.

 

The training programmes offered within the Ministry and Government services to all staff is a critical element for progress in my Ministry given that opportunities for international training are currently curtailed. The creative structure within my Ministry will allow room for optimal growth and productivity. The stringent measures outlined in the Budget are not expected to compromise the integrity of work to be done in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its overseas Missions. The strategic placement of officers in key positions is

 

critical to the efficiency and effectiveness in the operation of every section of my Ministry. To this end, the recalls and postings of Foreign Service Officers will be delayed at this time and will be considered in the near future as we advance into our ‘new normal’ operational procedures.

 

Mr. Speaker,

As it relates to our regional and international partnerships

I am happy to report that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to strengthen and improve our relationship with regional and international partners. Nowhere was this more demonstrative than during and in the aftermath of hurricane Dorian, when the world came to our aid. I take this opportunity to thank the many countries, international organizations, private sector and civil society groups that came and remain to assist us with our rebuilding and restoration efforts. Once again, we can attest to the support that The Bahamas has received from our regional and international partners in the midst of the COVID-­19 pandemic. In particular, I wish to express sincere appreciation to the United States (US), China, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who have generously donated much needed medical supplies and equipment during this time of the pandemic. I take opportunity to also thank the Government of Canada for its contribution of five million dollars ($5M) to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to procure much needed supplies for the Caribbean region in the fight against the COVID-­19 pandemic.

 

In the midst of a deadly pandemic, our pace of interaction with friends in the international community remains strong and continues to increase. With the use of virtual platforms such as Zoom, Go To Meetings and Cisco/Webex, we have been able to hold bilateral meetings and participate in more meetings than usual. While COVID-­19 has dominated much of the discussion, we have been able to speak to other important issues that impact the economic well-­being of The Bahamas and collaborated with other countries to fight the immoral blacklisting proposed by the European Commission (EC). The Bahamas, along with CARICOM countries and other impacted countries, will do everything in its power to ward this off

Due to The Bahamas being perceived as a high income country, we have found it difficult to attract assistance for rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian and much of the aid that has emerged for COVID-­ 19 is not available to The Bahamas. For the most part, we can only access such aid when it is part of a regional package. For example, the European Union (EU) has provided USD8.9 million to help combat the

 

virus in the Caribbean. This funding is from a regional envelope that will be managed by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and The Bahamas is able to access some of these funds via this agency.

 

Other initiatives such as the United Nations (UN) Secretary General’s Humanitarian Response Plan, the UN Response and Recovery Fund and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) COVID-­19 Response are largely unavailable to The Bahamas. We are confronted not only with the disasters of Hurricane Dorian and COVID-­19 and the subsequent current economic crisis wrought by both, but also the disaster of an unrelenting international financial system that does not value the challenges faced by small island developing nations. It is a vicious cycle in which we find ourselves, but it is a cycle we must overcome through constant engagement with our partners and friends together with ingenuity and innovation.

 

Mr. Speaker,

The recent events in The Bahamas and the world have highlighted the need for all of us to operate differently in all aspects of our lives. Hurricane Dorian and now COVID-­19 have changed The Bahamas forever. As we begin to move toward a ‘new normal’, we have to approach everyday life in a new way. In the immediate future and out of necessity, the way we operated will never be the same. We must take the lessons that we have learnt from the past and apply them or we will be prone to repeat our past mistakes. The budget will challenge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take a different approach to achieve its goals over the next year.

 

I have given a directive to scrutinize every portion of the budget to see where savings can be made and to expend funds only on that which is deemed necessary. Travel will be severely curtailed and we will endeavour to make use of virtual platforms to participate in meetings wherever possible. Of note, under this ‘new normal’ the 75th UN General Assembly will occur as a virtual meeting in September of this year as will many other UN meetings for the remainder of this year.

 

As the Bible (Luke 12:48) says, ‘For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required’. We, as a country are blessed to have in our Public Service a pool of many talented individuals and certainly in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which I am privileged to lead. Together, we will ‘chart our way’ through the many challenges that face us as a nation and a people. Through ‘dedication, duty and continued delivery’, the

 

services rendered by those in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during this lengthy and tedious lockdown period did not waver and I will describe this in greater detail shortly.

 

Mr. Speaker,

The United Kingdom

I am pleased to report the return of the British High Commission to The Bahamas since its closure in 2005. In August 2019, the United Kingdom (UK) appointed High Commissioner to The Bahamas, Her Excellency (HE) Sarah Dickson. Subsequent to this appointment, The Bahamas has seen the re-­opening of the British High Commission on Wednesday 12 February 2020. The re-­opening of the British High Commission allows The Bahamas immediate access to the British Government as it relates to consultations and initiatives between our countries.

 

As we seek to further enhance our relationship post-­Brexit—on 27 November 2019, The Bahamas became the latest CARICOM state to ensure trade continuity with the UK—following on from the ten-­year-­old Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed between the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) and the European Union, The Bahamas and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, have signed an EPA, which will come into force on 31 December 2020.

 

The Kingdom of Belgium

In keeping with our mandate to grow our international relations, The Bahamas officially opened an Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium and a Mission to the European Union (EU) in Brussels on 13 November 2019 to protect and promote our economic interests. It is anticipated that our resident Ambassador (HE) Maria O’Brien will deepen our relations with the EU, which will give rise to strengthening of the Bahamian economy and The Bahamas’ position in the global economic market.

 

Further, as a member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) community, The Bahamas recently attended the 8th ACP Summit in Nairobi, Kenya during December of 2019. During our visit to Brussels to participate in the opening of the Embassy, members may recall that the Prime Minister addressed the ACP Committee of Ambassadors at ACP House during 14 November 2019. It is expected that our physical presence and participation in the EU-­ACP will allow for deepened relations in regards to trade, political

 

dialogue, development and cooperation. We will continue to leverage our membership in the ACP to stem off unfair blacklisting by the European Union.

 

Geneva, Switzerland

Moreover, I am pleased to report that on 17 February, Ambassador (HE) Keva Bain—an attorney-­at-­law, career civil servant, former foreign service officer and with expertise in trade matters—was posted as Permanent Representative to the UN Offices in Geneva and the Ambassador to Switzerland. We were all pleased as a nation to see Ambassador Bain preside over the 73rd World Health Assembly (WHA) where COVID-­19 dominated the agenda. She was pressed into duty at short notice and she rose admirably to the occasion.

 

Mr. Speaker,

 

In addition to the support I have already indicated that was given by the United States, the bilateral relations between the United States (US) and The Bahamas remains strong. Since January to the present, there have been a number of significant achievements shared between both countries of which I would like to highlight a few.

 

In January of this year, I was among a caucus of Caribbean nations whose Foreign Ministers attended the Ministerial Roundtable in Kingston, Jamaica, hosted by the United States (US) Secretary of State the Honourable Michael Pompeo. The high-­level meeting provided a platform for discussions on shared democratic values and critical hemispheric matters particularly security, development cooperation, prosperity and human rights. Talks also centered on financial services inclusive of blacklistings and de-­risking, youth empowerment, education and the diversification of the OAS, all crucial to US-­Caribbean relations.

 

On the sidelines of the formal meeting, I discussed with Secretary Pompeo the humanitarian support that the US provided to The Bahamas post Hurricane Dorian and the rebuilding efforts, among other things. During the talks, I conveyed the gratitude of the Bahamian people, particularly those from Abaco and Grand Bahama, for the solidarity and support of the United States which has provided safe harbour and aid to some four hundred (400) persons as well as thirty four million dollars (USD34M) in humanitarian assistance for The Bahamas

 

To date, the Government of the United States continues to stand side-­by-­side with The Bahamas as the reconstruction effort continues. Of note, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided enough funding for Samaritan’s Purse to continue its work with the rebuilding effort for the remainder of this year (2020). To this end, Samaritan’s Purse continues to assist with water, sanitation, health and shelter in the hurricane ravaged communities.

 

In January of this year, the US Embassy in conjunction with the Government of The Bahamas launched the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) to harness the full participation of women in the economy. In keeping with the priority of the Government relative to economic diversification, the Academy hopes to spark business creativity by way of its educational curriculum, as well as, through advocacy, financing and mentoring which could potentially translate into opportunities for Bahamians.

 

To culminate the month of January, was the signing of the new revitalized Air Service Agreement (ASA) which saw the creation of more cost-­effective and convenient aviation routes, in particular increased direct flights from the US to the Family Islands. As one of the main focuses of the Government is to stimulate economic growth, this ASA will serve to increase the number of ‘stop-­over’ visitors desirous of enjoying our vibrant culture and exploring the pristine waters of the archipelago.

 

Mr. Speaker,

India

As I alluded to earlier in my opening remarks, India was one of the first countries to visit The Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian and presented to the Prime Minister a cheque for one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) to support the relief and restoration effort. Subsequently, the India CARICOM Summit was held in the margins of the United Nations 74th General Assembly during last September. During the Summit, the Honourable Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, pledged a grant of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) for each CARICOM country toward community development projects. The Bahamas has submitted a proposal for the construction of a community center/hurricane shelter in Central Abaco and we await India’s decision on the proposal. India, as evidenced by the support for post hurricane reconstruction and COVID-­19 has proven to be an invaluable friend and ally to The Bahamas.

 

China

China’s support and friendship for The Bahamas has been unwavering. China was amongst the first to give support in the aftermath of Dorian and throughout the COVID-­19 pandemic. As it relates to hurricane relief, China provided an initial donation of one hundred and twenty thousand dollars ($20k initially from the Embassy in Nassau and $100k from the Chinese Red Cross) and a further donation of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) which was deposited directly into the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) account. China has signaled its readiness to provide additional support to our recovery efforts.

 

In August 2019, the Quarantine and Health Requirements Protocol for Edible Aquatic Animals was signed in Beijing by the Embassy of The Bahamas (on behalf of the Government of The Bahamas) and by the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China. The exports of live lobster from The Bahamas to China are now proceeding. Further, The Bahamas and China also signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) during the General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization in September of last year.

 

Mr. Speaker,

Our relations with other countries are of equal importance. During the early part of 2020, the technical arm of the Ministry held in-­depth discussions with the Ambassadors of several countries including Canada, Italy, Belgium and Turkey. A number of areas were identified for technical cooperation and assistance. These areas included sustainable development, preservation of oceans and the blue economy, health, education, trade and investment. As soon as it is practicably possible, these discussions will resume with the involvement of other agencies of the Government and discussions will also be undertaken with other countries.

 

In February of this year, I presided over a very productive meeting with the EU representation in Jamaica. The annual meeting, referred to as the Article 8 Dialogue was held in The Bahamas at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Meeting attendees included representatives from Sweden, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Belgium and Portugal. The Ambassador and Head of the Jamaica Office, agreed to take our concerns about blacklisting to the EU and to keep us apprised of developments regarding the same.

 

We identified many areas of convergence relative to human rights, except on the question of the death penalty. There was agreement to collaborate in the future on issues such as cyber security, climate change, renewable energy and the Blue Economy. A future meeting is proposed for February 2021, with technical level discussions taking place in advance.

 

I must add here that a few months after the meeting, the Ambassador expressed surprise on hearing of the EC decision to blacklist The Bahamas yet again in its publication on 6 May 2020. As you know, the Government took immediate action to question this apparent immoral action;; set in the midst of the biggest global crisis in modern history.

 

Honorary Consuls of The Bahamas

The Government of The Bahamas, since becoming independent, has appointed thirty six (36) Honorary Consuls in various parts of the world. The primary purpose for appointing these persons was to assist Bahamians in distress where the Government of The Bahamas had no representation either by way of a Mission or a Tourist Office. These persons have truly shown their importance during this time when we are dealing with the COVID-­19 pandemic which has caused so many of our nationals to be displaced all around the world. The secondary purpose was to promote The Bahamas and assist in building its economy.

 

Presently there are thirty one (31) Honorary Consuls and the Government of The Bahamas has begun a further review of various countries/jurisdictions where diplomatic relations can be established and further benefits for the Bahamas can be derived. As a result of this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in possession of a number of applications from persons who have expressed an interest in becoming Honorary Consuls for The Bahamas. Further consideration will be given to their applications once due process and Interpol security vetting have been completed.

 

Countries and jurisdictions presently under immediate consideration for the appointment of Honorary Consuls are Hong Kong, India, Turkey, Brazil, Indonesia, Puerto Rico and various states in the US.

 

CARICOM

On 18-­19 February of this year, the Prime Minister led a delegation to the 31st Intercessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which was held in

 

Bridgetown, Barbados, where a number of pivotal and germane issues to the community were discussed. Additionally, in the margins of the meeting, The Bahamas participated in bilateral meetings with Canada, New Zealand and the Secretary General to the Commonwealth.

 

CARICOM continues to be one of the strongest allies for The Bahamas. The coordination work that we normally undertake in the global arena continued during the pandemic and proved to be particularly effective. During the course of the COVID-­19 crisis, CARICOM met at the level of Heads of Government, Ministers of Health, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Tourism to discuss and formulate regional responses and policies to address the multifaceted impact of COVID-­19.

 

The Bahamas will continue to coordinate its efforts with the Caribbean Community as CARICOM Member States have committed to unite and pool its resources to addressing the myriad challenges that this pandemic has posed to the region.

 

Mr. Speaker,

 

While on the topic of meetings, I would like to highlight that The Bahamas was set to host the 50th General Assembly (GA) of the Organization of American States (OAS) on 9-­11 June of this year. The commitment to host the GA was undertaken at the 49th OAS General Assembly which was held in June 2019 in Colombia. In accordance with OAS stipulations, a National Coordination Secretariat (NCS) was established to spearhead and advance this project. The Secretariat was headed by Dr. Paulette Bethel, a former diplomat and comprised of a strong team of experts from my Ministry and relevant government agencies. Today, I wish to advise that due to current measures in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-­19, The Bahamas decided to withdraw its offer to host the Assembly. Discussions are now underway at the OAS regarding the date and venue of this year’s General Assembly.

 

Mr. Speaker,

With respect to candidacies, The Bahamas was extremely successful in its bid for re-­election to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO);; placing sixth among the twenty members elected to Category “C”. This is our highest position since our nearly thirty-­year membership of the Council. A dedicated

 

team, comprising my Ministry and our overseas Missions, the Ministry of Transport and Local Government and Ambassador Denise Lewis Johnson and the team of The Bahamas Maritime Authority led the way for this notable achievement. This team continues with the work to get The Bahamas re-­elected in the next IMO election. Currently, much effort is being exerted toward the re-­election of Ms. Marion Bethel to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Again, as a result of the safeguards in place against the COVID-­19 pandemic at the UN, the election which was scheduled to occur on 29 June 2020 in New York, has been tentatively rescheduled to September.

 

Mr. Speaker,

Members will recall that negotiations to delimit boundaries between The Bahamas and those neighbouring countries with whom we share maritime space, are ongoing. These countries include the United States (US), the Republic of Haiti and the UK on behalf of its overseas territory;; the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). The Maritime Boundary Delimitation Committee within my Ministry continues to negotiate in the best interest of The Bahamas. The Committee was preparing to hold a fourth round of talks with the US;; however, the talks were delayed due to the COVID-­19 pandemic. In similar fashion, preparations are underway for the resumption of negotiations with the UK.

 

My Ministry in collaboration with a number of stakeholders, including the Ministry of National Security and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), is also in the process of drafting a Shipriders’ Agreement between The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Bahamas stands to benefit from such an Agreement as it would allow for the extension of our Defence Force enforcement jurisdiction and subsequently impede the flow of illegal migration and poaching thus preventing (as best as possible) perpetrators from crossing our southern borders.

 

Mr. Speaker,

 

Human Rights Council

In 2019, The Bahamas was elected as a member to the Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2019-­ 2021. The Human Rights Council is an inter-­governmental body within the United Nations system and is composed of forty-­seven (47) states which are responsible for the promotion and protection of all human

 

rights globally. The Bahamas is one of the few Small Island Developing States (SIDS) currently serving on the Council and the first Member State of CARICOM to be elected to the body since its establishment in 2006. I am pleased to report that The Bahamas is seen as an invaluable member of the Council, and we use our membership to keep CARICOM and other small island developing states abreast of human rights issues that impact their lives.

 

Mr. Speaker,

 

The United Nations

As a result of hurricane Dorian, we had the largest UN presence on the ground in The Bahamas than at any other given time in our history as an independent country. This enabled us to further leverage our engagement with the UN System. The Ministry convened a meeting with all UN personnel before they left the country and we have committed to work in a more cohesive manner with the objectives of rebuilding after Dorian and concretising UN relations in The Bahamas to ensure that we receive full benefits of our membership in the UN System.

 

Mr. Speaker,

 

As it relates to Passport and Consular Services

Under the leadership of Ms. Siobhan Deane, Acting Chief Passport Officer, the Passport Office has made admirable progress during 2019, particular in the area of public relations. This is evident from the much improved missives of approbation the institution receives now on a daily basis. Much effort has been made to familiarize the public with the new Q-­Matic System, which lends to an easier, safe, fast and secure online application process, phase one of which—for the renewal of adult ePassports—was successfully launched on 9 December 2019. Indeed an historical milestone for the Ministry and by the extension, the country.

 

In the result, there has been marked improvement in the turnaround time for collection. On average, persons applying for passports at the New Providence office and or online can collect their documents within five (5) to seven (7) working days after applying. Persons utilizing the expedited service can receive their passports within two (2) working days after applying. Likewise, auxiliary services that may be required under extenuating and emergency circumstances in New Providence remain available to the public.

 

 

 

Applicants from the family islands and in other regions of the world can now receive their passports within ten (10) to fourteen (14) days following the application process. When using the expedited services, Family Island and elsewhere can receive their passports within 3-­4 days and 5-­7 days, respectively.

 

Following a five (5) year interruption, passport services were resumed in our Beijing Mission in 2019. The restoration of these services was well received by our students and Bahamians residing in this region.

For the period of July 2019 to May 2020, the Passport Office has enrolled thirty one thousand, one hundred (31,100) applicants, produced thirty three thousand and four (33,004) passports and issued thirty thousand, seven hundred and thirty four (30,734) books. The revenue generated for this time period was one million, three hundred and sixty nine thousand, five hundred and twenty five dollars (BDS1,369,525).

Again, permit me to thank the staff of the Passport Office for the yeoman’s effort made to replace passports lost due to Dorian. In order to provide additional relief, fees for replacement passports were waived and documents were produced for collection within three (3) to four (4) working days. Today, I am pleased to report that the Grand Bahama Office resumed full services on 1 November 2019 and our Central Abaco Office resumed duties on 11 February 2020.

We continue with our efforts in finalizing the logistical details for the establishment of satellite Passport Offices in Eleuthera, Inagua, Long Island and Exuma. Of note, the Passport Office Mobile Services remains operational for all family islands. The necessary network infrastructure and equipment are in place for Inagua and Exuma to allow passport services to be offered. However, travel to these islands to install the equipment was postponed due to the COVID-­19 pandemic.

 

It is now critical to have the capacity to renew ePassports for minors online which will mitigate the volume of customers requiring such service during the upcoming (peak) summer season. My Ministry is currently in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to ascertain the necessary logistics related to this process.

 

Mr. Speaker,

 

On 23 March 2020, the Passport Office was closed to the general public due to the COVID-­19 pandemic. Staff moved to work remotely and facilitated emergencies during this period. Staff are currently working on a rotational basis and the issuance section of the Passport Office is open to public for the hours of 9am – 1pm to allow individuals to collect their passports only;; the enrollment section of the office remains closed to the general public. Since re-­opening the issuance section of the office on 11 May, approximately seventeen hundred (1,700) passports were collected. Further, the online unit is fully operational and requires minimal interaction with the public. In the interest of staff health and safety, plexi-­glass will be installed (by 1 June) in the Passport Office in Grand Bahama and the office will resume gradual service that is similar to that of the New Providence office. Of note, passport services will resume in Abaco once the COVID-­19 measures are lifted.

 

Mr. Speaker,

 

Consular Division

The Consular Division continues to work in collaboration with relevant Government Ministries and Agencies to facilitate deportation requests and assist with repatriation of foreign nationals. The Consular Division was instrumental in assisting overseas Missions with deportation and the return of one hundred and one (101) Bahamians from the US to The Bahamas during the period of July 2019 to May 2020. These persons have served sentences in US facilities for crimes which could range from drug offences, physical abuse and visa overstay.

 

During the period of July 2019 to March 2020, the Consular Division assisted the Department of Immigration with the repatriation of one thousand, six hundred and sixty (1,660) foreign nationals to their homelands. This figure includes one thousand, six hundred and thirty three (1,633) Haitian nationals and twenty seven (27) persons from other countries.

 

Further, the Division continues to facilitate Bahamians in distress in foreign countries in collaboration with our overseas Missions. For the period of July 2019 to May 2020, the Consular Division together with our overseas Missions assisted three hundred and sixty eight (368) Bahamians in this regard.

 

For the first half of this budget year July 2019 to March 2020, the Consular Division Apostilled/Legalized six thousand and ninety three (6,093) documents which generated a revenue of one million, one hundred and seventy nine thousand, four hundred and sixty six dollars and eighty six cents. (BSD1,179,466.86).

 

For the period of July 2019 to March 2020, two thousand, two hundred and forty one (2,241) visas were issued to foreign nationals with revenue generation of nine hundred and one thousand, one hundred and sixty two dollars (BSD901,162.00).

 

Mr. Speaker,

 

I put the general public on notice that the Ministry is currently working with the Ministry of Finance to introduce measures that will eliminate the use of cash at the Passport Office, the Consular Division and our overseas Missions.

 

Mr. Speaker,

 

With regards to the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister

The Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister (OSPM) continues with its effort toward in empowering women and girls through diverse projects and programmes. On 9 October 2019 and in commemoration with the UN International Day of the Girl Child, the office launched the country’s first Women and Girls Mentoring Coalition in partnership with the Ministry of Social Services, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Health. The official ceremony was held at Government House and greater than five hundred (500) young girls from thirteen (13) junior and senior high schools participated in this historic event. Since the launch of the coalition, the team has undertaken and successfully completed a number of projects.

 

In response to the adverse impact of the COVID-­19 pandemic on many Bahamian families, the Office of the Spouse, in conjunction with mentors of the coalition, the Feeding Network and other organizations led several food distribution exercises during the months of March, April and May. In March, one hundred and sixty eight

(168) families received food coupons (valued at $50) and during the months of April and May a total of seven hundred and sixty (760) families received food packages. In similar fashion, the office has provided assistance to many persons in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.  In September 2019, the office distributed

 

back to school packages to displaced students that were housed in the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium and hosted a two (2) day distribution event at the Fox Hill Community Centre to assist displaced teachers from Abaco and Grand Bahama.

 

The office continues its collaboration with the Spouses of the Caribbean Leaders Action Network (SCLAN) and in January of this year, Mrs. Minnis was one of the keynote speakers at a two (2) day forum for adolescents which was hosted by the First Lady of Belize. Further, Mrs. Minnis has delivered motivational speeches and addressed diverse organizations and civic group during the past year including the International Women Forum which was held in The Bahamas in September 2019 at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island.

 

The school mentoring programme which commenced in October 2018 has grown tremendously and during the past year Mrs. Minnis has delivered numerous motivational and educational talks relative to gender based violence, career paths and entrepreneurship to girls enrolled in junior and senior high schools in The Bahamas. It was intended that the programme and distribution of care packages be continued in six (6) family islands schools (namely Abaco, Grand Bahama, Exuma, Acklins, Mayaguana and San Salvador) during the first half of this year (2020);; however the programme was postponed due to the onset of the COVID-­19 pandemic.

 

Of note, packages were already prepared and shipped for distribution to students and to date, some of the packages remain in the Office of the Prime Minister in Abaco pending distribution whenever possible.

 

Despite the challenges with working remotely during the pandemic, the office continues it work with the coalition and has held monthly meetings via a virtual platform. In similar manner, work continues relative to the planning of several projects that are in the pipeline including a pending distribution of care packages for healthcare professionals, a student savings programme with local banks and a collaborative International Development Bank (IDB) funded project with SCLAN on gender based violence for both girls and boys.

 

Most noteworthy, the office is currently in the infancy stages of developing a collaborative project with international donors for the renovation of the South Wing of the Children’s Ward at the Princess Margaret Hospital. Also in the pipeline, is the establishment of a four (4) week summer training programme in

 

partnership with the coalition and Ministry of Agriculture Processing Plant Laboratory. This programme will involve training for fifteen (15) high school students relative to processing preserves (e.g. mango chutney, pepper sauce and jam) using locally grown produce and aims to induce entrepreneurship among young people while promoting the use of locally grown produce. The programme is set to begin in July pending the lift of measures for COVID-­19.

 

Mr. Speaker,

 

As it relates to the Ministry’s response plan during the COVID-­19 pandemic

During the height of the COVID-­19 pandemic, requisite staff were identified to work remotely and provide essential services to the public. Most of the essential staff members were tasked with dual responsibilities which included serving as a focal point for a select Mission/s or Consulate/s. Heads of Missions were encouraged to direct all issues, new developments and reports for their jurisdiction to the assigned focal point for subsequent sharing with senior management. This process was implemented to ensure rapid response and action for pressing issues in the midst of a significantly reduced staff complement.

 

In addition, the Permanent Secretary implemented virtual meetings (using zoom technology) to ensure continued efficient operation of the Ministry. Senior managers of the Ministry met daily to report on pertinent issues (both home and abroad) and develop strategic plans for continued execution of the work of the Ministry during the lingering COVID-­19 pandemic.

 

Senior management of the Ministry ensured that staff (at home and abroad) were well informed through continuous dissemination of diverse forms of information;; including electronic mail, press releases and legislative orders. In an effort to remain consistent in public communications, senior management provided all Heads of Missions with standardized speaking points that can be easily adapted for the situation in a given jurisdiction.

 

Mr. Speaker,

 

As it relates to engagement with the international community and the handling Foreign nationals during the COVID-­19 pandemic

 

The Ministry provided the diplomatic community and the honorary consular corps with information (on a regular basis) in accordance with the travel restrictions and Emergency Orders implemented by the Government of The Bahamas in light of the COVID-­19 pandemic. The Ministry also served as an intermediary between the diplomatic community and the Aviation Authority for the purpose of facilitating approvals for flight entry/clearance and the repatriation of foreign nationals (namely, German, Mexican, Italian, Canadian and British nationals). The Ministry also responded to a number of requests in relation to ship clearance.

 

Mr. Speaker,

 

As it relates to handling of Bahamian nationals stuck abroad during the COVID-­19 pandemic

As the world has not experienced a pandemic of this magnitude, many countries (including The Bahamas) were without requisite policies for border closure and the management of dislocated citizens. In the absence of such policies/guidance notes, the Permanent Secretary and senior management adhered to existing Consular procedures and advised Bahamian nationals abroad to shelter in their current location and to contact the nearest Embassy, High Commission, Consulate General or Honorary Consul in their jurisdiction. Most noteworthy, my Ministry (through the Embassies and Consulates) ensured that distressed/dislocated Bahamian nationals received (and continue to receive) assistance as deemed necessary.

 

Mr. Speaker,

 

With respect to the repatriation of Bahamian nationals, permanent residents and work permit holders On Thursday 29 April 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was tasked with the responsibility of coordinating the repatriation process for Bahamian nationals, permanent residents and work permit holders that are currently dislocated abroad due to closure of the country’s border. To this end, a task force was established within the Ministry to spearhead and advance the work required for the repatriation process. Ministry officials conferred with senior personnel from relevant Government Ministries and Agencies (namely, Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama, National Airport Development Company (NAD), Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), Customs Department, Immigration Department, MOH and Bahamasair) to develop a repatriation plan that gave rise to a structured process. The task force recommended that the repatriation process be done in phases with the first phase

 

involving the removal of persons from the South Florida area. On Friday 8 May 2020, a total of one hundred and eighty (183) Bahamian nationals and residents returned home during the country’s first repatriation exercise. Since this first exercise, the Ministry in collaboration with the aforementioned agencies have overseen0 three (3) additional exercises and facilitated the return of three hundred and eleven (311) persons. To date, a total of four hundred and ninety four (494) individuals have returned to the country and the Ministry continues its effort in this regard.

 

Mr. Speaker,

 

With respect to the Ministry’s proposed 2020l2021 Budget

In light of the country’s current economic forecast, my Ministry (like all other Ministries) is faced with a 20% cut in the 2020/2021 budget and cancellation of all new spending requests. This cut equates to a loss of BSD5.6 million in funds for fiscal year (FY) 2020/2021. The Ministry proposes that capital expenditure for FY2020/2021 will include refurbishment to the VIP lounge at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), Head Office and Passport and Consular Offices. It is also intended that repairs be made to the Chancery and Residence in Washington and London and the final payment of BSD2.5 million be made to Canadian Bank note for eVisa and ePassport systems.

 

Mr. Speaker,

 

Even though we are faced with the arduous task of operating on a decreased budget for the FY2020/2021, I am happy to report that staff salaries (which equate to 35% of our total budget) are secured. In light of the current global economic climate, we anticipate a negative impact on revenue generation and project 60% of our proposed revenue. Nonetheless, we are determined to move forward in our quest to serve with excellence and have heralded that this upcoming fiscal year will be ‘the year that we make the most out of less’.

 

To the people of North Abaco, as your Member of Parliament, and as a Government, we recognize that this journey has indeed been difficult. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that my constituency has been spared from an outbreak of the virus within our communities while we continue our ongoing reconstruction efforts. We press on, not in sorrow, but with the hope of a much brighter tomorrow, standing side by side as Abaconians ever

 

resilient in the face of crisis. North Abaco, while today may seem bleak, tomorrow looks great for The Bahamas. We will continue to press forward as an island and as a country, united in love and service.

 

The journey continues now as we experience what may be a great reset in our country. Notwithstanding the severe hardships that the world now faces, perhaps when the history books are written, and today be transformed to yesterday, both Hurricane Dorian and the Coronavirus will be viewed as blessings in disguise;; blessings that allowed our country to reach its pinnacle, push us to our creative limits, and truly embrace the age old saying of The Bahamas being the greatest little country on earth, as we adjust our sails and chart a course to a new frontier, rising to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing Bahamas.

 

Mr. Speaker,

 

North Abaco supports this budget