Conference of The Americas

Bahamian delegates participate in first ever Conference of The Americas

The first-ever Conference on the Americas was held under the theme, "Advancing the cause of social justice in The Americas" on July 9-10 in Arlington, Virginia.  The U.S. Embassy provided funding for the five-member Bahamian delegation that included Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson, Director, The Crisis Center; Rick Lowe, Secretary/Treasurer, The Nassau Institute; Jeffrey Lloyd, Director, YEAST Program; Camille Barnett, President, The AIDS Foundation and Pastor Clint Kemp, New Providence Community Center.  During the conference, participants heard from U.S. President, George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush and U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. On July 23, U.S. Chargè d’Affaires Dr. Brent Hardt, Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson and Rick Lowe were featured as guests on More 94 FM’s "Real Talk" live radio show hosted by Jeffrey Lloyd who also attended the conference. During the show, they discussed areas focused on at the Conference of The Americas.  Rick Lowe noted, "I attended the session with Secretary of Commerce, Carlos Gutierrez and his guests. I think the most profound statement by Secretary Gutierrez was words to the effect that we should not think of developing the region through redistribution of wealth. The idea is to grow economies so wealth can be created."  Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson added, "This conference was a wonderful opportunity to meet and network with a dynamic and distinguished group of persons from the Americas.  President Bush’s challenge to all of us to continue our work for Social Justice in our communities resonated with all of us."