Nassau, Bahamas ? Prime Minister the Hon Hubert Ingraham described the new Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Senator John Delaney, as an ?accomplished professional who has already demonstrated his willingness to render public service to his country at considerable sacrifice to himself and his family.?

Senator Delaney was sworn in during a ceremony at Government House, November 23, presided over by Governor-General Arthur D Hanna who administered the office and the oath of allegiance.

Among those present were parliamentarians, senators, senior public officials, family and friends.

Presenting Mr. Delaney with his Letter of Portfolio as the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, the Governor General congratulated him and admonished him to shun anyone who challenges his integrity and not to be afraid of decisions that he makes.

In his new capacity Senator Delaney will also be responsible for the promotion and development of financial services, and relations with the Financial Services Industry and the Bahamas Financial Services Board.

?I am confident that he will assist in the ongoing development of this important industry so that it benefits our economy while adhering to evolving international standards,? said Prime Minister Ingraham.

?I believe that he will bring great creativity and insight to the promotion of this pillar of our national economy, both at home and abroad.?

Because of Senator Delaney?s training, experience and ?commitment to justice for all Bahamians,? said Mr Ingraham, the new Attorney General will ?acquit himself well in his new office.?

?I am also certain that Attorney General Delaney will lend his considerable talents and energy to my Government?s efforts to strengthen significantly the judiciary as well as to combat crime within our Bahamas.?

Mr. Delaney is the seventh of eight children born to the late John F. and Remona Delaney. He received his early education in Nassau at Palmdale Primary School and St. Augustine?s College before pursuing law.

He attained an LL.B. with honors from Birmingham University, a Master of Laws from the University of London, and qualified professionally at Lincoln?s Inn.

He was called to the Bahamas Bar in 1987 and has been practicing at the Higgs and Johnson law firm, of which he has been a partner since 1994.

He specialized in commercial litigation and financial services law and is recognized internationally as a leader in the field.

A Senator before, Mr. Delaney also served on the National Insurance Board, the Bahamas Financial Services Board, the Road Traffic Authority, and the Bahamas Trade Commission.

He is married to Daphne Delaney and is the father of three children.

Prime Minister Ingraham also thanked the Hon. Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs for having ?ably? held the portfolio of Attorney General since the resignation of now Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett.

Click here to download John Delaney's Biography.