6th September 2006

Ambassador Young, distinguished ladies and gentlemen of this wonderful city and state, Bahamians abroad,  Eddie Archer from the Ministry of Tourism, Atlanta, the Charge Eugene Torchon Newry from Washington, our Consul General for the southeast United States Alma Adams,  Ed Bethel, Consul General in New York, Ambassador Young, friends all.

This has been long in coming.  It seems though like only yesterday as I returned to this side of the world after a 15 hour journey from South Africa to Atlanta for a dinner meeting with Ambassador Young at his home.  It was a wonderful gathering.  That was in 2003.  It was at that time that Ambassador Young first mooted the idea of an honorary consul for The Bahamas in Atlanta and he introduced me to Mike Young, a Bahamian by descent and his beautiful wife.  Ambassador Young indicated that he would be an excellent choice.  It has taken us from then to now but it is done and I could not be more pleased.

I wish to thank Ambassador Young; the members of his staff particularly Sylvia Ashley who kept at this.  I believe that this is a good decision and I am sure that Mike will represent The Bahamas well in this city and in this state.

We are a small country and so from the point of view of resources, it is always pleasing that our sons and daughters abroad are willing to help hold up the flag overseas.  Mike, having served for so many years in Atlanta in Delta Airlines knows the business community well here and is well connected in this community and in this state.
 

His responsibilities will include not just holding up the flag but being a general point of interface between The Bahamas and this community at an official level, fielding questions and complaints, the problems of students, and those who serve in prison and generally keeping us abreast of how the mutual interests of The Bahamas and this community can be enhanced.  I have no doubt that he will be successful.
 

I would like to thank all those who were responsible for organizing this reception.  I want to thank you all for coming. On behalf of Prime Minister Perry Christie, I want to encourage all those Bahamians abroad to help hold up the flag and thank them for what they have done already.  I thank all our friends from the United States and other countries for enhancing relations.  I take this opportunity to underline the close, fraternal relations which The Bahamas has with the United States and in particular with the Atlanta community.  There is a steady exchange of people between the two countries with Hank and Billie Aaron being amongst the regular visitors to our country.

The Bahamas thanks you all.  I wish to again congratulate Mr. Young and I am sure that he will do well. Please be assured that Mrs. Adams will always be there to help, so will our Charge in Washington and the Consul General in New York. I too am always at your back and call.  I sure too that Mr. Archer is always ready, willing and able to help.

I wish therefore to present this Commission.