Remarks by Minister Mitchell During the Reopening of the Embassy in Washington, DC.

Minister Mitchell reflects on the nation’s diplomatic journey, the importance of relationships, and the significance of the newly restored Chancery in Washington, DC, on 10th November, 2025.

26th, November 2025

 — I am pleased to offer these remarks on the occasion of the naming of our newly refurbished Chancery here in Washington, D.C. This moment represents both a renewal of our diplomatic presence and an opportunity to reflect on the relationships and history that brought us to this day.

(L-R) Minister Mitchell, Permanent Secretary Mr. Melvin Seymour and Ambassador HE Wendall Jones at the Embassy reopening on 10th November in Washington, DC.

Everyone knows everyone here, and it is these informal associations that have influenced the development of my views on foreign policy, first as an activist, and later as a minister. When I first came to Washington in 1980, Ambassador Reg Wood was serving here. He was a friend of my parents and became a friend of mine. His predecessor, L.B. Johnson, laid important groundwork for our foreign service, and I recall fond memories of the hospitality shown to me by Frank and his wife, whom we affectionately called Jane, during that time. Their support, and the small moments of kindness, shaped my path in ways that endure today.

I mention these stories because relationships make all the difference. They cut the Gordian knots, help us overcome obstacles, and get us across the finish line. As Nobel laureate Toni Morrison reminded us, when you have power, you must name things. In a few moments, the Prime Minister will do just that with this beautifully refurbished building now standing proudly in its new multimillion-dollar incarnation. I toured it this morning, and it is magnificently done.

This building means much to those of us who live in The Bahamas and who are all intimately tied to the success of our host country. We are entirely dependent on the United States of America for our survival, and the rule of law and a common morality, the policies of decades of rational actors have caused us to survive in the Lucayan Sea, even though we are smaller in size than Dade County, Florida. But we have a right to an independent existence.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1945 states that every person has the right to leave their country and return and implies the right to enter another lawfully and be treated fairly and respectfully within the law. Convenience must never override the rule of law. We live in a zone of peace, and we are committed to using our voice to preserve it.

I wish to honour L.B. Johnson for his pioneering work in establishing the foundations of our foreign service after independence. He served two terms here, sacrificing much in the process. His service, laid down at personal and professional cost, helped create the network we have today: honorary consuls in major U.S. cities; consulates general in Miami, Atlanta, New York, Washington, and Los Angeles; and permanent missions to the OAS and the United Nations.

Others followed and carried the mantle forward. Margaret MacDonald acquired this building, supported by her FSO David Cates, who now serves as Permanent Secretary and lived to witness today’s achievement. Former Ambassador Sir Cornelius Smith sounded the alarm in 2012 that the building was deteriorating, and while the journey to restoration has taken time, we have finally brought it to completion. Things take time, sometimes inexplicably so, but persistence leads us here.

I remain committed to continuing our modernization of the Foreign Service: improving regulations, ensuring fair pay, strengthening transparency, and establishing clear pathways for appointments, promotions, and transfers. This is the expectation of the modern era, and we must meet it.

Today, I also extend heartfelt congratulations to several members of our Foreign Service. Christiana has been awarded the Foreign Service Medal as a Foreign Service Officer and Deputy Commissioner. Tonight, medals will also be presented to Michaela Bullard and Michelle Jones for their service within our OAS mission. I invite the Prime Minister to present these honours at the conclusion of this ceremony.

To Ambassador Jones, Director General Ali, Permanent Secretaries Melvin Seymour and David Cates, and the entire Bahamian Diplomatic Corps: we are, as the saying goes, pleased as punch to reach this moment one brief, shining moment in time. Yet, in the words of the poet, we have promises to keep and miles to go before we sleep.

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