NASSAU, The Bahamas – A further development in the cordial relations between The Bahamas and Australia was realised with the official launching of the Australian Honorary Consulate and the introduction of Caroline Moncur as Honorary Consul.
The event took place Thursday, February 10, 2011 at the Lyford Cay Club, where Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of National Security the Hon. Tommy Turnquest underscored the importance of such relations.
The Bahamas and Australia have been enjoying friendly and supportive relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations on January 7, 1974.
“We work together in the bilateral and multilateral levels. One of our latest important bilateral endeavours was the signing of a Tax Information Exchange Agreement in March 2010. On the multilateral level we are working together on important climate change and maritime issues,” Mr. Turnquest said.
Australia also maintains relations with other members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); having extended hand in friendship and cooperation in a number of areas. A Memorandum of Understanding between CARICOM and Australia was signed in November 2009 to substantiate this development.
Australia also contributed to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), through which resources went towards the recovery efforts in Haiti after the January 12, 2010 earthquake. High Commissioner Philip Kentwell, stationed in Trinidad and Tobago, serves CARICOM on behalf of his country, Australia. He is being assisted in The Bahamas by Ms Moncur, a permanent resident.
“I am certain that, as well versed as she is management and human resources and Information Technology, she has already proven to be a valuable asset since her official appointment last year September,” Mr. Turnquest said. He said that The Bahamas has been following closely; the damaged caused by the recent flooding in Australia and hoped recovery efforts were not prolonged.
Meanwhile, The Bahamas is looking forward to enjoying the hospitality Australia has to offer during the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth, October 2011.
High Commissioner Kentwell said that Australia is “a good friend of The Bahamas “sharing linkages in sports, at the UN level and as members of The Commonwealth. And, that friendship is being beefed up through the $60 million cooperation partnership arrangement signed between Australia and CARICOM, he said.
The Bahamas and Australia are island nations with porous coastlines. The also share mutual concerns about climate change, border protection and terrorism.
By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
