Dr. Elliston Rahming, The Bahamas’ new permanent representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) on Wednesday presented his credentials to OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza.

During the ceremony, held in the Hall of Heroes at the OAS headquarters in Washington, DC, Ambassador Rahming said although he is just beginning as The Bahamas’ 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 Prisons, 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,” Ambassador Rahming 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.”

Secretary General Insulza welcomed the new permanent representative of The Bahamas 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,” Secretary General 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.”

Several representatives of the member states attended the ceremony for the presentation of credentials, as well as permanent observers to the OAS and senior authorities from the general secretariat of the organisation.