The Bahamas Welcomes Senior IAEA Official

Official Visit of Mr. Raul Ramirez from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Nassau, The Bahamas – 17 July 2025 As the National Liaison Office for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was pleased to facilitate the official visit of Mr. Raul Ramirez, Section Head of the Division for Latin America and the Caribbean within the Department of Technical Cooperation at the IAEA.  Mr. Ramirez undertook his inaugural visit to The Bahamas from 11 to 16 July 2025.

(L-R) Prime Minister the Hon. Philip EB Davis, Ambassador Ron Pinder and Mr. Ramirez.

The purpose of his visit was to provide comprehensive information on the IAEA’s initiatives and to inform key stakeholders of the cross-cutting nature of the work of the Agency in the peaceful and diverse applications of nuclear technology, particularly in the fields of agriculture, energy, environment, and health. The visit facilitated discussions on opportunities for partnership and collaboration in these critical sectors, which are essential to national development and sustainability.

Mr. Ramirez’s programme included a host of meetings including high-level bilateral meetings with the Minister of Energy and Transport, the Minister of Health and Wellness, and the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. He also engaged with the IAEA/OPCW National Stakeholders Committee, and representatives from the aforementioned ministries, as well as the Department of Environmental Health Services, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, the Office of the Attorney General, the Public Hospitals Authority, the University of The Bahamas, The Bahamas Agriculture Health Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA), as well as medical professionals from the private sector.

Mr Ramirez meeting with Bahamian officials

During his visit, Mr. Ramirez toured laboratories at the University of The Bahamas and the Department of Agriculture, as well as the Radiology and Oncology Departments at Princess Margaret Hospital.  Additionally, Mr. Ramirez also toured The Bahamas Cancer Centre and the oncology facilities at PET-CT International Limited.

The high prevalence of cancer in The Bahamas was noted during his visit, highlighting the potential for the development of national projects in collaboration with the IAEA, to address urgent needs through training, capacity building, and equipment procurement.

Moving forward, the development of a Country Programme Framework, with the full engagement of national stakeholders, will serve as the foundation for enhanced partnership and collaboration between The Bahamas and the IAEA.