The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

ALTHOUGH the Bahamas has not had a United States ambassador for nearly three years, two members of the Free National Movement suspect that the post has yet to be filled due to red tape in the US political system.

The comments came following questions over the progress of the ambassadorial ratification progress and whether the appointment of Cassandra Quin Butts – nominated by President Barack Obama in February – is still on the table for the Bahamas.

Brent Symonette, former Minister of Immigration Foreign Affairs in the Ingraham administration, yesterday dispelled suggestions that the post was vacant because of an apparent strained relationship between the Bahamas and the US.

“I don’t think that it has anything to do with a grievance against us,” Mr Symonette told The Tribune. “I just think that it is issues with President Barack Obama’s internal politics.”

East Grand Bahama member of Parliament Peter Turnquest agreed adding: “An ambassador was identified, but I imagine that with all they have going on, it’s just not a priority for them (the US).”

The last US ambassador to the Bahamas, Nicole Avant, took up her post on October 22, 2009. She resigned on November 21, 2011, and returned to private life in Washington.

Ms Butts, a 48-year-old attorney and former deputy White House counsel, went before the United States’ Senate Foreign Relations Committee on May 13 for confirmation hearings on her appointment.

During that hearing, Ms Butts said one of her priorities, if confirmed as ambassador, would be to ensure that all illegal immigrants detained in the Bahamas are treated humanely. She further pledged to ensure that all US citizens are safe while they live in or visit the Bahamas.

“My first and foremost priority will be to ensure the safety and security of US citizens living in or visiting the Bahamas, as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands, which are included under Embassy Nassau’s consular oversight,” she said.

“If confirmed, I will work closely with local authorities and the US law enforcement officials under Chief of Mission authority to lower crime rates and other illegal activities. Other priorities would include promoting greater economic ties and growth, including exploring ways to support the development and enforcement of stable and transparent regulations as well as improving the business environment through transparent procurement and investment procedures.”

Ms Butts left the White House to serve as a senior adviser to an independent US foreign aid agency, the Millennium Challenge Corporation. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and was a classmate of President Obama at Harvard Law School.