The Tribune

FORMER prison superintendent Elliston Rahming says he is taking legal action against Brent Symonette and The Nassau Guardian over comments concerning his delayed appointment as the country’s ambassador in Washington, DC.

In a statement issued yesterday, Mr Rahming said it has come to his attention that former foreign minister Brent Symonette made “certain statements” about him in a Cable 12 newscast of July 12.

“I have sought legal advice relative to Mr Symonette’s utterances and my lawyers both in the United States and the Bahamas have concluded that Mr Symonette and Cable 12 have defamed me.

“I have, therefore, instructed my attorneys to commence legal proceedings against Mr Symonette and Cable 12 and The Nassau Guardian for defamation of character.”

Mr Rahming, who has been confirmed in his other appointment as the country’s ambassador to the OAS, added: “For the record, my non-confirmation (to date) as Ambassador to the United States has absolutely nothing to do with my character or any wrongdoing on my part in the Bahamas, the United States or anywhere else in the world.

“I am 59 years old and I have never been questioned by anyone or accused by anyone or charged by anyone or accused of any wrongdoing whatsoever.

“Not once in the Bahamas. Not once in the United States. Not once anywhere in the world. I challenge anyone anywhere to show otherwise. I have guarded my character and reputation scrupulously and the moment is now when I say enough is enough.”

Mr Rahming noted that he is currently in the United States on a diplomatic visa issued in April 2013, and in his OAS capacity is “proudly representing my country along with 34 other ambassadors from Western Hemispheric Nations that make up the Organisation of American States.

“We are grappling with weighty matters related to human rights, youth economic empowerment and development, peace and security, electoral reform, job creation, migration and poverty reduction throughout the hemisphere.

“I am superbly qualified in every respect for the post I now hold and any other I may have the honour of assuming on behalf of the Bahamian people.”