The Tribune

THE Bahamas has reaffirmed its commitment to the Campaign to Protect Planet Earth - a "people's accord" agreed during the 2010 World Conference on Climate Change in Bolivia.

Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes renewed the pledge during the presentation of credentials by Diego Pary Rodriguez, Ambassador of the Plurinational State of Bolivia at Government House on February 9.

Sir Arthur told the ambassador: "Of particular note is your government's stalwart campaign to create a generation of global citizens cognisant of their impact upon and responsibility for the environment."

As a small island state, Sir Arthur said, the Bahamas also understands the critical nature of its relationship with the planet and the potentially catastrophic impact of global warming and consequent sea level rise.

"Bolivia can be assured of the co-operation of the Bahamas in the campaign to protect our planet," Sir Arthur said.

Bolivia is located in central South America; bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay and Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest and Peru to the west. Though rich in mineral and energy resources, its 10 million strong multi-ethnic population is regarded as the poorest in South America.

"I note with great interest the cultural diversity of your country with the unprecedented recognition of more than 36 indigenous peoples in the Constitution of Bolivia along with those of European heritage, all living harmoniously and serving as an example of the power of amicable co-operation to which all states aspire," Sir Arthur said.

He also noted that the Bahamas and Bolivia share a common heritage of colonisation with all its negative consequences, but have been able to overcome these challenges and today pursue collective prosperity for all citizens of the world.

Like the Bahamas, Bolivia places significance on respect for the rule of law, the sovereignty and equality of states, the right of a people to self-determination, respect for human rights and the furtherance of international co-operation, Sir Arthur said.

Bolivia's educational system is regarded by international bodies as exemplary, evidenced by the numerous types of universities both public and private, the first of which was established in 1624.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, Bolivia was declared free of illiteracy in 2008.

Mr Rodriquez is also Ambassador of Bolivia to the Organisation of American States in Washington, and Bolivia is scheduled to host the 42nd Regular Session of the OAS in June.

He is Bolivia's vice minister for Higher Education and Professional Formation; and co-ordinator of the Intercultural Indigenous University of Latin America and the Caribbean (International Indigenous Fund).

Ambassador Rodriquez has a master's degree in higher education, and is a certified expert in indigenous people, human rights, governance and international co-operation.