PRESS RELEASE

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nassau, Bahamas

29 May 2021

UN Resident Coordinator Mission to The Bahamas

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to advise that a UN delegation led by the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) for The Bahamas, Dr. Gary Conille, concluded its mission in  The  Bahamas  Saturday,  29  May 2021. Upon arriving in New Providence, the delegation held discussions with various Ministries, agencies and civil society organizations, including, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, NEMA, the Detention Center and the Red Cross. The delegation concluded its mission to The Bahamas by visiting Abaco. There, discussions were held on areas where the UN may better assist The Bahamas in its rebuilding effort following the twin disasters of Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The delegation was greeted in Abaco by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Darren Henfield, Member of Parliament for North Abaco, along with the Island Administrator, Mr. Donald Rolle. The Minister accompanied Dr. Conille to the site of the former shanty town known as “the Mud”. There, they discussed government policy prior to and following Hurricane Dorian. The RC was then briefed at the Government Complex by the Island Administrator, along with representatives from The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Works, the Disaster Reconstruction Authority, the Department of Immigration, BTC and community representatives.

The delegation then visited the area known as “the Farm” in Treasure Cay. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledges that discussions during this UN Mission were both constructive and useful towards rebuilding a more resilient Bahamas. In this regard, the Government is committed to partner with the UN on the challenges faced and the opportunities for further collaboration.