The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

POLISH Ambassador yesterday defended the human rights record of the Bahamas amidst ongoing protests over alleged torture of Cuban detainees.

In an interview with The Tribune, Ryszard Schnepf also underscored his intentions to utilise economic support available through the European Union for development in the Bahamas. 

He added that he will also agitate for the establishment of a European Union consulate to facilitate the growing number of European tourists.

Mr Schnepf said: “On human rights, we are on the same side. According to my experience, the Bahamas Commonwealth is one of the leading countries in this area and we share the same values compared to other countries that I have experienced.” 

He added: “The Polish business circles are growing and reaching far beyond the European space, we can see growing interest in Polish business circles in doing business with the US, but also countries like the Bahamas.”

Mr Schnepf delivered his letters of credence to Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes on Wednesday, commemorating the tenth anniversary of diplomatic and consular relations between the Bahamas and the Republic of Poland. 

He said: “It was a special pleasure that to some extent we share the same history, at the end of the 80s Poland struggled for its sovereignty, and the history of the Governor General that I read about is also the struggle of a journalist for a free country.”

Mr Schnepf added: “The beginning of my tenure means new initiatives in our commercial relations. Poland is a well-standing country in the EU compared to other member states. Poland has had a permanent GDP growth during the years that many countries in the EU were suffering financial crisis.” 

Yesterday, Honorary Consul to Poland Edith Powell said she has made presentations on transportation and agriculture models in Poland to respective government agencies in the past with limited feedback. However, she said the consular department will continue to seek opportunities to expand trade between the two countries.

Mr Schnepf said: “The European Union support  and financial system gives such opportunities that we can use for the good of Bahamians and also using Polish experience, Polish companies, especially on environmental problems or transportation systems.”