The Tribune

MINISTER of State for Finance Michael Halkitis has been elected chairman of the Board of Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC).

He was elected during the 2016 Annual General Meetings of the IDB and IIC held in Nassau over the weekend.

According to Bahamas Information Services, this is the first time a Bahamian has been elected to such a post at the IDB level, almost 40 years after The Bahamas became an IDB member country.

“It is my honour as governor for The Bahamas to accept the chair of this year’s annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank and the Inter-American Investment Corporation,” Mr Halkitis said as he addressed the inaugural session as incoming chairman on Friday.

He said that high-level meetings provided the Bahamas with the opportunity to showcase not only the country, but more so the region in what there is to offer and the challenges and struggles faced.

“More importantly though, we have the opportunity in a collaborative manner to uncover and embrace the opportunities for growth and development that will result in improving the lives of our citizens,” he said.

Not only does the global economy continue to recover from the global financial crisis at an uneven pace, Mr Halkitis noted that the traditional challenges that have “simmered for some time and threaten to boil over.”

“This is a signature accomplishment for The Bahamas and its proud people as our leaders use the institution of public service to continue to project and propel this tiny island nation onto the international stage,” PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said in a statement.

“Michael is one of a number of new generation leaders who have chosen a life of public service and have excelled to the benefit of not only The Bahamas but the international community. I note that the Minister of Education, Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald was elected the chairman of the Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers and Environment and Housing Minister Kenred Dorsett was elected the chairman of the Council of the International Renewable Energy and co-chair of the Caribbean Challenge Initiative Council.

“The Progressive Liberal Party thanks these leaders for their stellar service and fully supports their elections. The country will be handed to leaders like Halkitis, Fitzgerald and Dorsett to continue the important work of national development therefore these assignments are significant developmental steps in this process.”