The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE new United States Charg� d’affaires Lisa Johnson yesterday threw support behind the adaptation of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and pledged her country’s help toward seeing the legislation implemented.

Ms Johnson is conducting a series of courtesy calls with various government agencies and made the remarks as she visited Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin at Manx Dockendale Centre on West Bay Street.

She said: “Certainly we are interested in seeing implementation of that Act. I know that a number of regulations have to be put in place and some more work needs to be done on the public out reach and information campaign and we are prepared to help support that in any way that we can.”

During her term as Charg� d’affaires, Ms Johnson said she intends to work closely with the Bahamian government on crime issues with a view that such relations will strengthen ties.

“We co-operate very closely with the Bahamian government on anti-crime initiatives (and) looking at crime and security issues.

“We have terrific co-operation in that area we will be looking to increase trade and investment between the United States and the Bahamas.”

Mrs Hanna-Martin said she was optimistic about the discussions.

“We are very pleased to welcome Ms Johnson to the Bahamas and trust that her service here will prove to be one that is strong and fruitful and that we will be able to achieve more things that are for the mutual benefit of both nations.”

Ms Johnson also had a courtesy call with Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald. She said from that meeting there will also be efforts to work with a view to increased education exchanges between the US and the Bahamas.