The Tribune

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell has hit back at his FNM predecessor, saying Brent Symonette’s comments diplomatic appointments were irresponsible.

Mr Symonette was quoted as saying the delayed confirmation of Dr Elliston Rahming as Bahamas ambassador to the United States is unusual, and that the government’s silence on the matter is unacceptable.

But according to the current minister, these comments were “ill advised and injudicious”.

“His comments are irresponsible and designed to create political mischief,” Mr Mitchell said.

“It is feeding idle speculation on social media sites about something in the ambassador’s background while in university that are unfounded, inaccurate and absolutely without foundation.

“The former minister knows better and should cease and desist. I say again when the agreement is received with regard to the ambassador designate to Washington, it will be communicated to the public.

“In the meantime, the public should be assured that Dr Rahming continues to enjoy the confidence of the government in his service to the country.”

Over the weekend, Mr Symonette suggested that the delay in appointing Mr Rahming could end up being an embarrassment for the government.

“The United States must be, in my humble opinion, sending a message why they haven’t approved him yet and they need to tell the Bahamian people yes or no,” he was quotes in the press as saying.

We put our name forward and it hasn’t been accepted. Usually you choose someone who you know is acceptable, and so I think the Bahamas government owes the people of the Bahamas an answer.

“I think it’s very strange, and that something we need to do. Both the minister of foreign affairs and the prime minister need to answer that question because one might pass the buck to the other and vice versa. Just come clean.”

While taking time to criticise Mr Symonette over the issue, Mr Mitchell did not go on to clarify any reasons for the delayed confirmation, which has dragged on for several months since the formal announcement of his nomination on February 13. Nor did he give any timescale in which he expected the matter to be resolved.

Mr Symonette is the latest of several FNMs to raise the issue.

Earlier this month, Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs Hubert Chipman noted that in addition to the delay in Dr Rahming’s appointment, former senator Paulette Zonicle – who was named Consul General for Washington DC – has not officially taken up her position either.

“She has not started work because, I am told, the Consular General is going to be separate and apart from the Embassy and they will require permission from the US government in order to do that,” Mr Chipman said. “I’m told that that permission has not been granted as yet.

“The Consular General – I think there was something in the press yesterday about Atlanta and Miami – well, it’s simple as Perry Christie, the prime minister, making an appointment, issuing a letter of appointment and those people would be appointed.

“They don’t need clearance to do a Consular General in Miami or Atlanta. So I think the Prime Minister again is late on this. Here it is, this is now July, they’ve been in office from May 2012, and the Consular General complement has still not been confirmed.”

As for Dr Rahming, Mr Chipman said he “really doesn’t want to speculate” as to the reasons for the delay, only offering: “It’s been now five months, one would expect, even prior to him going to Washington – all due respect to Dr Rahming – the clearance should have been given.”