Director General

Ambassador Jerusa Léa Dean Ali.

Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
New Providence.

Biography

Ambassador Jerusa Léa Dean Ali, who recently assumed the post of Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is widely recognized as a seasoned diplomat with a career that has included public policy and academe. Prior to her most recent appointment, Ambassador Ali served as the Political Attaché for the British High Commission, Nassau, NP, The Bahamas where she helped re-open the High Commission after a 16 year absence. Her portfolio included trade, investment, climate diplomacy, projects, scholarships and crisis management. 

Following her graduation from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, Ms. Ali began her professional career as a Foreign Service Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in 2000, where she worked in the International Relations Division and the Legal Affairs Division. Rising through the ranks she also pursued an academic journey that includes an ABD in Legal Studies (International Criminal Law) at Carleton University, an LLM in International Human Rights from The Human Rights Law Centre, School of Law, University of Nottingham, and an MA in International Relations from Keele University. Ms. Ali’s professional achievements include obtaining numerous research grants and scholarships; she has also participated in diplomatic conferences and several professional certification programmes on migration management. She enjoys languages and has advanced knowledge of Japanese and basic knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, and Yoruba. 

With a strong background in foreign policy, policy analysis, international law, and international relations, she has established a wide network of high-level contacts across local, regional, and international levels. She possesses a strong foundation in legal and political research and writing and is trained in negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution. Ms. Ali is known for promoting a supportive team-working environment and is dedicated to mentoring and teaching. She is motivated by a deep commitment to a human rights-based approach to diplomacy and stakeholder engagement, and she believes in sharing her knowledge and strategic vision to ensure effective and efficient work in diplomatic missions. 

Beyond her professional endeavours, Ms. Ali actively volunteers and serves in various Bahamian and international organizations, including the Bahamas National Trust, Young Marine Explorers Bahamas, and Masdar al Amal. She has also volunteered for the Bahamas Red Cross, and previously served as a Building Community Bridges (Togo) board member.

Ms. Ali is a member of the African Association of International Law (AAIL-AADI), the American Society of International Law (ASIL), the Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL) Research Group, and the Critical Approaches to International Criminal Law (CAICL) Research Group.

Foreign Affairs, Ministry of

Goodman’s Bay Corporate Centre
2nd Floor, West Bay Street
Nassau City, New Providence,
Bahamas.