The Tribune

FORMER Prison Superintendent Elliston Rahming has officially become the new Permanent Representative of the Bahamas to the Organisation of American States – even as concerns persist over the delay in his installation as US Ambassador to Washington.

Dr Rahming’s appointment to both positions was announced last month by the Christie administration, but his ambassadorship has yet to be accepted by the US government.

On April 25, opposition chairman Darron Cash said: “If it is factual that the designated or proposed ambassador to the US has not yet been confirmed by the US government that would be most regrettable and unfortunate because it is highly improper for the (Bahamas government) to announce that someone has been appointed until the host country has formally agreed to accept that person.”

The government has yet to give an explanation for the early announcement, or for the delay in his appointment being accepted.

On Monday, Dr Rahming presented his credentials to the Secretary General of the Organisation of American States, Jos� Miguel Insulza, during a ceremony in the Hall of Heroes at the OAS headquarters in Washington, DC.

At the ceremony, Dr Rahming said although he is just beginning as his country’s representative to the organisation, he is already aware of the benefits brought by the institution.

“Last year, in my former position as Superintendent of Her Majesty’s Prison, I had the opportunity to participate in the Third Meeting of Authorities Responsible for Penitentiary and Prison policies of the Americas, which gave me firsthand knowledge of the work of this organisation and the many hemispheric issues that it addresses,” he said.

“When we joined the OAS in 1982, we made a commitment to the democratic ideals which are the foundation of this most important regional body. I wish to reconfirm my support and the support of the government of the Bahamas to the organisation, to the Secretary General, and to the OAS Secretariat, to strengthen the Bahamas’ engagement within the OAS,” Dr Rahming said.

Secretary General Insulza welcomed the new Permanent Representative and highlighted the economic successes of the country in terms of per capita income and income distribution.

“We appreciate the fact that your country, as an independent nation, has demonstrated how it is possible to prosper and develop and face economic and social problems with a very progressive view,” Mr Insulza said.

“In economic terms, in social terms, in the way you deal with issues of immigration, also in matters of political democracy, in matters of security we have a lot to learn from you, and will be very proud to cooperate with you,” he said.

Several representatives of member states attended the ceremony for the presentation of credentials, as did permanent observers to the OAS and senior authorities from the General Secretariat of the organisation.