The Bahamas’ Permanent Representative Presents Credentials to Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority
PRESS RELEASE – 18th March 2026 – KINGSTON, JAMAICA – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is pleased to announce that in an historic move The Bahamas established its first Permanent Mission and installed its First Permanent Representative, Mrs. Alveta Knight, Consul General of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas to Jamaica, to the International Seabed Authority. Mrs. Knight formally presented her credentials to Ms. Leticia Reis de Carvalho, the Secretary-General of the Authority, on 16th March at the Headquarters of the International Seabed Authority in Kingston, Jamaica.
The International Seabed Authority serves as the seat of the international body responsible for organizing and regulating activities relating to the management of deep sea resources, protection of ecosystems and the promotion of global cooperation in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in the international seabed area under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Mrs. Knight conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of the Government and people of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, expressed appreciation for the welcome extended to the Permanent Mission of The Bahamas in Kingston.
In her remarks, Mrs. Knight highlighted the deep connection between The Bahamas and the ocean, noting that for the archipelagic nation of more than 700 islands and cays, the sea is central and critical to its heritage, livelihood, and future.
“For generations, the sea has sustained our people and shaped our outlook as a maritime nation hence our passionate commitment to being involved in the responsible management of ocean resources,” she said.
Mrs. Knight also reaffirmed The Bahamas’ longstanding commitment to multilateral cooperation and the rule of law at sea. She noted that The Bahamas was among the early States to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, thereby supporting the landmark legal framework that established the Authority and affirmed that the seabed beyond national jurisdiction constitutes the common heritage of humankind.
During the ceremony, Mrs. Knight paid tribute to the late George P. Stewart, whose service on the Legal and Technical Commission contributed significantly to shaping The Bahamas’ early engagement with the Authority and advancing discussions on the exploration and potential exploitation of marine mineral resources.
Mrs. Knight further noted that the Government of The Bahamas is actively advancing national legislation to establish an appropriate legal and regulatory framework for seabed mining activities under Bahamian jurisdiction, ensuring that our domestic law aligns with international obligations while safeguarding marine biodiversity and fragile ocean ecosystems both locally and internationally.
Reflecting on her appointment, Mrs. Knight acknowledged the significance of serving as the first Permanent Representative of The Bahamas to the International Seabed Authority, noting that the responsibility carries particular meaning as it reflects the growing presence of women in leadership roles in international diplomacy in areas such as ocean governance and underscores The Government of The Bahamas’ commitment to gender equality and inclusive representation in global institutions. Prior to Mrs. Knight’s appointment and the establishment of The Bahamas’ Permanent Mission, The International Seabed Authority had forty-four Permanent Missions of which only 8 had women as their Permanent Representative.
With the establishment of its Permanent Mission to the Authority, Mrs. Knight advised that “The Bahamas has reaffirmed its commitment to working constructively with Member States to advance the mandate of the International Seabed Authority. The Mission will also execute The Bahamas’ commitment to the ethos of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, by supporting transparent and science-based regulatory frameworks, and ensuring that the protection of the marine environment remains central to its work.”
“The Bahamas stands ready to contribute constructively to the work of the Authority and to uphold the shared responsibility entrusted to us as stewards of the ocean and guardians of the seabed, the common heritage of humankind,” Mrs. Knight stated.
Mrs. Knight commended the Prime Minister Philip Davis, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell and the hardworking members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on accomplishing this important and historical milestone whilst entrusting her with the mandate to represent the interests of The Bahamas at the International Seabed Authority.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulates Mrs. Knight on this important milestone and looks forward to her continued service in representing the interests of The Bahamas in the global arena and within the International Seabed Authority.
From left: Mrs. Alveta Knight LLB, MSc., LEC, Consul General of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas to Jamaica and Permanent Representative of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the International Seabed Authority, and Ms. Leticia Reis de Carvalho, the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority at the Headquarters of the International Seabed Authority in Kingston, Jamaica.
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