NASSAU, Bahamas -- A wide cross section of Bahamian professionals, educators, scientists, artists, government officials, journalists and businesspersons gathered together at a U.S. Embassy hosted reception at the Hilton Hotel on Thursday, September 24. The event was held in recognition of Bahamian Alumni who participated in U.S. Government International Visitors Exchange Programs.

In his remarks U.S. Charg? d?Affaires a.i., Timothy Z??iga-Brown lauded the alumni for their shared commitment to excellence. He noted that the exchange programs allow future leaders to experience America first hand while developing professional and academic skill sets. ?More often than not, alumni return to their countries with fresh ideas and the drive to set those ideas in motion. International Visitor Program graduates from The Bahamas are no exception. I thank you for using your exchange experience to build a stronger bond of friendship between Bahamians and Americans,? he said.

The highlight of the evening was a special award presented by Mr. Z??iga-Brown to Dr. Keva Bethel, herself an alumnus, for her outstanding efforts to promote and support the International Visitor Exchange programs during her tenure as President of The College of The Bahamas.

The United States has participated in exchange programs with The Bahamas for over 35 years. These programs include the Fulbright Graduate Student Program and Fulbright Latin American Scholarship Programs for study for advanced degrees at top U.S. Universities. Eighteen Bahamian Fulbright alumni in a wide variety of occupations have benefitted from this exchange. The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship brings accomplished professionals from developing countries to the U.S. for one year of academic study. Fourteen Bahamians have participated in this program. And finally, the International Visitor Leadership Program sends participants to the U.S. for professional development. This training includes meetings with their counterparts in the public and private sectors and exposure to American culture. One hundred and twenty Bahamians have been afforded this opportunity.

Of the thousands of IVP alumni from all over the world, more than 290 are current and former Chiefs of State and Heads of Government. Over 2,000 are cabinet-level ministers, including Bahamian Minister of Education, the Honorable Carl Bethel.

Photo: From left U.S. Charg? d?Affaires a.i., Timothy Z??iga-Brown presenting a certificate of award to Dr. Keva Bethel.

Submitted by the US Embassy Nassau