H.E. Rhoda M. Jackson (centre) with H.E. Keith Harper, Human Rights Ambassador of the United States to the United Nations (left) and Ms. Laura Thompson, Deputy Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (right).

Her Excellency Rhoda M. Jackson, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of The Bahamas to the United Nations Office in Geneva and staff of the Mission, hosted the diplomatic community and members of the Bahamian diaspora in Geneva, Switzerland, to a reception on July 12, 2016 on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of Independence of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Guests were treated to tastes, sights, and sounds of The Bahamas through Bahamian food, music as well as local scenery digitally displayed throughout the evening.

H.E. Rhoda M. Jackson delivers remarks during the reception on the occasion of the 43rd Anniversary of Independence of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

In her welcoming remarks, Ambassador Jackson noted that this year, “Honouring Our People’s Excellence” was the theme of Bahamas Independence Observance. In proclaiming the remarkable strides that the country has made over the years, she also reflected upon the journey of The Bahamas in first establishing its Mission in Geneva in 2013 and achievements in this regard.

The Ambassador also reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Government to promoting human rights for all and, in this regard, announced its intention to seek election to the Human Rights Council in 2018, which would serve to strengthen the voice of Small Island Developing States in such fora.

H.E. Rhoda M. Jackson (second left) with H.E. Pierre André Dunbar, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Haiti to the United Nations in Geneva (left), H.E. Luc-Joseph Okio, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Congo to the United Nations in Geneva (second right) and H.E. Eloi Laourou, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Benin to the United Nations in Geneva (right).

H.E. Rhoda M. Jackson (centre) and officers of the Mission, Ms. Tia Hanna, First Secretary (right) and Ms. Sasha Dixon, Second Secretary (left) during cutting of the cake.

Source: Bahamas Information Services