Nassau, The Bahamas – The United States of America has increased its funding to law enforcement agencies of The Bahamas drug interdiction efforts, from $150,000 to $1.6 million for the period 2010 to 2011.
This was announced during a meeting with government officials and Julissa Reynoso, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs and Makila James, Director of Caribbean Affairs at the Ministry of National Security on Tuesday, October 5, 2010.
The Bahamas was represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration the Hon Brent Symonette; and Minister of National Security the Hon Tommy Turnquest.
The officials were accompanied by Her Excellency Nicole Avant, United States Ambassador to The Bahamas. The main thrust of the discussions focused on further exploring the strong ties between both countries in areas including security and climate change. The need for cross-border cooperation on a multitude of issues that challenge countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was also discussed.
Ms Reynoso acknowledged that CARICOM was in a period of transition, and that she looks forward to a fruitful relationship with the new leadership of this sub-regional organisation. She also assured The Bahamas of the United States’ commitment to collaborating on a number of mutual areas of interests, which are of great importance to this country.
In this vein, it was announced that there has been a major increase in funding for the period 2010 to 2011 to $1.6 million from $150,000 allocated for the period 2009 to 2010. These funds have been provided to support law enforcement operations, specifically in all facets of the fight against the illicit drug trade.
The United States views this support as a testament to its commitment to bilateral cooperation. Mr. Symonette and Mr. Turnquest both said that The Bahamas recognised the importance of bilateral and regional cooperation in ensuring that threats to national security are effectively and comprehensively addressed. They also said that The Bahamas continues to play a vital role within the region and sub-regional frameworks, most recently assuming the chairmanship of the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism (CICTE).
Mr. Symonette further discussed other matters of concern and interest and indicated that The Bahamas looks forward to working closely with Ms Reynoso in her capacity as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere. Discussions were also held with the Rt Hon Hubert Ingraham, Prime Minister; and the Rt Hon Perry Christie, Leader of the Opposition.
The officials, accompanied by Ambassador Avant, presented $10,000 in books to the Ministry of Education as part of the ‘Read to Lead’ programme.
By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
