The Honourable Darren Henfield, Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered a Statement on behalf of The Bahamas at the 20th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) held virtually on 14 October 2020.

Ministers exchanged views on a range of issues, including the existential threat posed by Climate Change for Small Island Developing States, the Commonwealth’s global COVID-19 recovery plan and matters relating to social tensions and racism.

Ministers also pledged support for the Commonwealth’s ‘Say No More’ initiative which is geared towards the elimination of discrimination against women and the reduction of gender-based violence. The meeting also reflected on the 2018 Mandates of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in preparation for the 2021 Session to be held in Kigali, Rwanda.

Minister Henfield emphasized the efforts made by The Bahamas to contribute to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals with respect to Climate Change. The Bahamas has passed legislation and advanced policies, inclusive of lower tariffs on energy efficient technology and appliances, and has implemented the 2020 Select Single-Use Plastic Ban.

Further, The Bahamas supported the Commonwealth Heads’ Statement on the COVID-19 pandemic and reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating racism and protecting the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of all peoples. The Bahamas welcomed the return of the Maldives to the membership of the Commonwealth and committed to participating in CHOGM 2021 in Kigali, Rwanda, next June.