The Tribune

WITH just days to go before the US Presidential election, Sojourner-Douglass College in partnership with the US Embassy hosted a forum at the British Colonial Hilton on what Bahamians can hope for and expect from the next US President.

The lively discussion, which was moderated by Dr Deborah Bartlett, CEO of the GEMS Radio Network, featured the US Embassy’s Acting Deputy Chief of Mission John Armstrong and Accountant and former Parliamentarian, Phillip Galanis.

As the American election campaign enters the final stage, both panelists answered questions about how The Bahamas should prepare for a continuation of the Presidency or what changes could come with an administration led by Governor Mitt Romney.

A wide cross-section of the Bahamian society participated, including members of the diplomatic corps, faculty and students from the College of the Bahamas, the Eugene Dupuch Law School, representatives from the business community, civil society and the media.

It was organized by Theresa Moxey-Ingraham, Executive Director of Sojourner-Douglass College.

In his opening remarks, Mr Armstrong provided an overview of the US electoral process at the state and federal levels.

The election forum also provided an opportunity for the audience to hear the views of the two noted political analysts on major issues impacting the US-Bahamas relationship including migration, trafficking, education, banking and tourism.

Both panelists and Mrs Moxey-Ingraham reaffirmed the US 2012 election would not have a strong impact on the deep bilateral ties between The Bahamas and the United States, as both countries remain committed to closely aligned national interests, democratic principles and core values.