Career diplomat Paulette Bethel is set to replace outgoing Ambassador to the United Nations Anthony “Boozie” Rolle, the Bahama Journal has learnt.
With less than a month before he officially demits office, Mr. Rolle said today that he has not yet received any notification from the government as to who will serve as his replacement.
In an exclusive interview with the Bahama Journal, Mr Rolle said from his New York office he is still waiting to see who will be his successor.
Mr Rolle said, “I have not been advised on anything so far, so I don’t know who my replacement is going to be. I officially demit office on the 31st of January.”
Ms. Bethel is the sister of PLP Senator and Minister of Health, Dr. Marcus Bethel.
She will be the first female permanent representative to hold such a post at the UN and has had a long career as a political diplomat for the Bahamas.
Mr Rolle, the former representative for the Carmichael Constituency, said he does not intend to return to politics and plans to be a “private person.”
“I’ve been the Ambassador for the Bahamas for just under three years and for me, it was an excellent opportunity to serve my country,” he said.
Mr Rolle said a typical day as an Ambassador depends on what’s on the day’s agenda.
“I arrive at the office, then there’s mail routine. If there’s a meeting at the United Nations, I ensure that the Bahamas is fully represented,” he said. “I also make sure that all of our concerns and thoughts are fully communicated to the United Nations, but it mainly depends on the UN agenda.”
In 1992, following his election as a Member of Parliament, Mr Rolle was appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister and became Co-chairman of the hurricane relief committee following the devastation caused by Hurricane Andrew.
Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, Mr Rolle also served as Minister of State with responsibility for privatisation and e-commerce development.
Meanwhile, former Member of Parliament for North Long Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador, Philip Smith is set to take up the post of Bahamas High Commissioner to Canada.
Mr. Smith is the brother of George Smith, chairman of the Hotel Corporation. The New High Commissioner is a former chairman of the Quincentennial Commission, and the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas.
He also served as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was one of the co-ordinators of the recent election campaign for the PLP.
Mr. Smith will replace Harcourt Turnquest, who is stationed in Ottawa
He is set to take up his post as High Commissioner next month.
Former broadcaster Ed Bethel will officially take up his post as Bahamas Consul General in New York tomorrow, as will educator, Alma Adams who is the new the Bahamas Consul General stationed Miami.
By Rogan M. Smith, The Bahama Journal
