The U.S. Embassy Co-Hosts a Dynamic Forum on the 2012 U.S. Elections

October 31, 2012

Mr Phillip Galanis; Mrs. Theresa Moxey Ingraham; DR. Deborah Bartlett and Mr. John Armstrong. (Photo U.S. State Dept.)

With just days before Americans decide the next President of the United States, Sojourner-Douglass College in partnership with the U.S. Embassy hosted an engaging forum that focused on the upcoming U.S. Presidential Election. The forum, held on October 30 at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel addressed the topic, “The U.S. Elections: What policies are Bahamians hoping for and what policies should The Bahamas expect from the winner?”  The lively discussion moderated by Dr. Deborah Bartlett, CEO of the GEMS Radio Network, featured the U.S. Embassy’s Acting Deputy Chief of Mission John Armstrong and Accountant and former Parliamentarian, Phillip Galanis. 

As the American election campaign enters the final stage, both panelists answered questions regarding how The Bahamas should prepare for a continuation of the presidency under the current President Barack Obama or what changes could come with an administration led by Governor Mitt Romney.  A wide cross-section of the Bahamian society participated in the discussion, including members of the diplomatic corps, faculty and students from the College of The Bahamas, and the Eugene Dupuch Law School as well as representatives from the business community, civil society and the media. The dynamic event was organized by Mrs. Theresa Moxey-Ingraham, Executive Director of Sojourner-Douglass College.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Armstrong provided an overview of the U.S. electoral process at the state and federal levels.  The election forum also provided a unique opportunity for the audience to hear the views of the two noted political analysts on the major issues impacting the U.S.-Bahamas relationship including migration, trafficking, education, banking and tourism.  Both panelists and Mrs. Moxey-Ingraham reaffirmed that the U.S. 2012 election will not have a strong impact on the deep bilateral ties between The Bahamas and the United States, as both countries remain committed to closely aligned national interests, democratic principles and core values.