2009 Speeches
Remarks by Ambassador Nicole Avant
Meeting with Bahamian Media
Friday, October 23, 2009
Ambassador’s Residence
Good afternoon everyone, welcome and thank you for being here. I’m so delighted to be in The Bahamas and honored to have been entrusted with carrying out the President’s foreign policy agenda in such a beautiful country.
The United States and The Bahamas enjoy an excellent relationship and my number one priority is ensuring that that continues. What we do here together is important…We have a long history of successful programs that address the flow of drugs, weapons and illegal migrants into both of our countries.
These programs help to protect our national and economic security and create a safer environment for our both of our countries. I have already enjoyed very warm welcomes from Governor General Hanna, Prime Minister Ingraham and Deputy Prime Minister Symonette. I look forward to engaging with other representatives of the government, business and social institutions as well as learning about what is important to Bahamians.
I will be looking towards discovering areas where there are opportunities for us to cooperate on mutually beneficial partnerships. I come from a family with a long history of political and charitable involvement and I’m looking forward to continuing that tradition here. Although we just arrived last week, my husband and I have gotten the opportunity to see a little bit of your country and we know we are really going to enjoy our time here.
The Bahamas has so much to offer from unspoiled beaches and unique marine ecosystems, excellent educational institutions, a thriving arts and music scene, and world-class entertainment facilities.
I’m very interested in sustainable energy issues. I believe that we must lay the groundwork to protect the environment in order to ensure future economic prosperity. The Bahamas is well situated to take advantage of its abundant renewable energy sources sun, wind, and ocean currents and to provide for its own energy needs while developing new technologies and industries to export to the Caribbean region.
As Ambassador, I will support sustainable energy and other programs designed to raise environmental awareness and create new economic opportunities. My background in philanthropy, politics and culture has been excellent preparation for my job as U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas.
I intend to draw on my experiences as an academic counselor at the Neighborhood Academic Initiative, a University of Southern California mentorship program for high school students, to promote educational opportunities and development in The Bahamas.
Likewise, I will use my experience as a Vice President of Interior Music Publishing and Avant Garde Music Publishing to promote investment and development in The Bahamas. Once I was nominated for this position I began an intensive study of The Bahamas and region in preparation for my Senate confirmation hearings. This included consultations with the many U.S. Government Agencies that support The Bahamas and I had a very productive meeting with The Bahamian Embassy in Washington.
I know that the real learning has just begun as I meet with key government, business, and social leaders in the community. Finally, and most importantly I hope to get out and meet as many Bahamians as possible.
I am honored to be able to serve my country on behalf of President Obama and I am grateful for the opportunity to advance the close partnership between the United States and The Bahamas.
I have a personal connection to this country and to its people. As Ambassador, I will work hard to build our mutual prosperity, enhance our security and advocate for our mutual values of democracy, the rule of law and human rights.
Thank you.