The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper announced yesterday the appointments of four Consuls General who will serve in the United States.

Curt Hollingsworth will serve as Consul General in Miami; Leroy Major will serve as Consul General in New York; Anthony Moss will serve as Consul General in Atlanta; and Patrick Adderley will serve as Consul General in Washington, DC.

Mr Cooper noted that the duties of all Consuls General is beyond dealing with passports, visas, prison visits and the authentication of documents.

“They’re charged with expanding the outreach to Bahamians overseas. They’re also charged with assisting in the growth and the development and the brand and reputation of our country,” he said.

“The largest Bahamian communities overseas are in Miami, Atlanta, Washington, DC, and New York. The Prime Minister has, therefore, charged us with growing the relationships with the diaspora. This is vitally important to the future success, growth, and development of The Bahamas.”

It is this objective Mr Adderley hopes to accomplish.

“I will endeavour to strengthen and deepen engagement within the Bahamian diaspora in Washington, DC, for the purpose of increasing the profile and the connection of the potential rich resource base to further the social and economic connections with those in The Bahamas,” he said at a press conference yesterday.

“Another goal will be the promotion of our country’s economic and cultural sectors which I consider essential for the sustainable economic development of the country. I will seek opportunities for new and creative ways to display our exceptional Bahamian crafts and businesses as well as forge bilateral opportunities towards economic development and increase cooperation.”

Meanwhile, Mr Moss said that with continued focus on education, sports, entertainment and all other matters that pertain to the Bahamian community abroad, he hoped to continue to foster old and new relationships.

“With support of my staff, I intend to lead (the) Atlanta consul on a path to continued success,” he said.