NASSAU, The Bahamas — “Rebuilding the Bahamas’ image and reputation is crucial to our efforts to strengthen the economy and create opportunities for Bahamians,” said Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis while delivering remarks at a Ministry of Foreign Affairs Commissioning of Ambassadors Ceremony, and an Investiture Ceremony, October 18, 2022 at Baha Mar.
The ceremonies to commission new ambassadors were held during the ministry’s ‘Diplomatic Week’ celebrations in an effort to share strategic priorities for the Bahamas’ foreign policies at home and abroad.
“Our Diplomatic Corp represents our country,” the Prime Minister said, “in a world filled with uncertainty and at a time when the fundamentals of globalization are being challenged.”
He said: “Today we add to the already existing team of highly talented men and women who represent our country as Ambassadors.”
The Prime Minister added he commended the new team for doubling their efforts in their services to the people of The Bahamas, and for standing in the gaps to build the nation’s reputation abroad. He affirmed, “they are a collective representation of putting our best and brightest forward.”
The newly commissioned ambassadors are:
H.E. V. Alfred Gray, High Commissioner-Designate to Canada
H.E. Cheryl Bazard, Ambassador-Designate Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Belgium
H.E. Sharon R. Lady Wilson, Ambassador-Designate to the United Mexican States
H.E. Anthony Ferguson, Ambassador-Designate to New Zealand
H.E. Cedric Scott, Ambassador-Designate to Japan
H.E. Paul O.A. Rolle, Ambassador-Designate to the International Maritime Organization
His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith, Governor General and Chancellor of the Societies of Honour, conducted the Commission and Oath of Office for the Ambassadors; and also the Investiture of National Honours.
At the Investiture Ceremony, receiving the Order of Merit were:
Mario Donato, Companion
William Munnings, Officer
Kevin Ferguson, Officer (Posthumously)
Receiving the Distinguished Service Medal:
Rev. Evangelist Irene Rolle (Posthumously)
BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna
The Commissioning Ceremony of Ambassadors and Investiture Ceremony. They are Alfred Gray, High Commissioner to Canada; Cheryl Bazard, Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium; Sharon Lady Wilson, Ambassador to the United Mexican States; Anthony Ferguson, Ambassador to New Zealand; Cedric Scott, Ambassador to Japan; Paul Rolle, Ambassador to the International Maritime Organization.
