Veteran broadcaster Ed Bethel, former Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Senator Alma Adams and former Ambassador to Haiti, Dr. Eugene Newry have been named the country’s newest ambassadors to London, Cuba and the United Nations (UN) respectively.

The new ambassadors, who have all previously held overseas positions, will be responsible for advancing the country’s cause in the overseas jurisdictions.

Prime Minister Perry Christie made the announcement yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Bethel has been appointed the new High Commissioner to London while Ms. Adams will serve as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Cuba and will be resident in Havana.

Dr. Newry is the newest ambassador to the UN.

Mr. Christie announced that Dr. Newry will replace Dr. Paulette Bethel whom he said will return home to take up new administrative responsibilities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dr. Newry will also serve as ambassador-at-large and special envoy to Haiti.

The prime minister called the new team an “experienced diplomatic group” of which he is confident will give yeoman’s service to the country abroad.

“They are the country’s generals on the front line; they are the face of our country to the world…I hope that this sends out a signal to the country that we draw our talent from all walks of life,” Mr. Christie said as he addressed a packed boardroom at the foreign ministry.

“Our foreign policy team is strengthened by these men and women who understand the need to be ambassador for our country and also play a prime role in bringing new investment to our country.”

Mr. Bethel, a broadcaster by profession, is not only expected to advance the country’s cause in London but also in Europe.

He will also be accredited to France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Greece and the European Union (EU).

Ms. Adams – who is fluent in Spanish – will take her skills to Cuba where the prime minister said the country has significant student, tourism, commercial and medical interests.

Dr. Newry will specifically tackle issues in the poor island nation of Haiti where he will deal with the seizure of a Bahamian plane by Haitian authorities, which the government is seeking to have released.

Humbled by the appointments, the new ambassadors-designate said they are more than happy to take up the posts and will rise to the occasion.

“I shall devote myself unswervingly,” said Mr. Bethel after accepting the appointment, “toward the attainment of your objectives and to preserve and enhance the long friendship between the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the United Kingdom.”

In her brief remarks, which she partly delivered in Spanish, Ms. Adams assured Bahamians of what she called her unwavering commitment to advancing the country.

“…Fellow Bahamians, I wish you to know that this emissary will continue to perform her duties with stellar commitment and loyalty to the Bahamian flag,” she said.

Dr. Newry said, “At this stage in my life, I have the honour to be called by the prime minister to once again take up the battle of advancing the cause of The Bahamas.”

“I will do that with all of my strength and with whatever intelligence the good Lord has given me. And with the support of my wife we will do a good job,” he said.

Dr. Newry previously served as the ambassador to Haiti from 2002-2007 under the first Christie administration.

Ms. Adams also served as consul general in Miami during that time. Mr. Bethel, meantime, served as the resident ambassador in New York under the first Christie administration.

Prime Minister Christie said with the exception of Dr. Newry, the new ambassadors will take up their posts by November 1st.

Dr. Newry will head to the UN sometime next year.

Last month, South Andros MP Picewell Forbes was named the country’s new ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and will also serve as the non-resident high commissioner to the Commonwealth countries of the Caribbean.

According to the prime minister, Mr. Forbes brings with him a wealth of experience as a Member of Parliament and has a vast background in the Caribbean.

Mr. Christie said this puts Mr. Forbes on better footing in terms of knowing the region and its people.

The remaining diplomatic appointments are imminent, the prime minister said.