By CELESTE NIXON

Tribune Staff Reporter

cnixon@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday announced the first of his party’s diplomatic appointments since taking office in May.

During a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister Christie named three new diplomats: Alma Adams who has been appointed Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, Dr Eugene Newry appointed Ambassador -at-Large and in 2013 as Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) and Edison Bethel appointed High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Current Ambassador to the UN Paulette Bethel, following the General Assembly Session of this year, will return to the Bahamas to take on a new administrative position with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Christie said.

“This is an experienced diplomatic team,” he said. “I am confident that they will give yeoman’s service to their country abroad.

“They are the country’s generals on the front line; they are the face of our country to the world.”

Ms Adams, who served as Consul General in Miami from 2002 to 2007, said as Ambassador to Cuba she will be looking into new initiatives in the areas of trade, investments, education, health care and industrial and cultural development.

Additionally, she will be exploring the possibility of establishing a foreign languages exchange programme with Cuba.

“I have no doubt that with the wealth of experience obtained we shall now once again launch our beloved land to even newer highest,” said Ms Adams.

A former Ambassador to Haiti from 2002 to 2007, Dr Newry said the United Nations post is one of the most important positions for small nation states like the Bahamas, where they become part of a collective group and can accomplish great things.

Mr Bethel, who previously served under the former Christie Administration as Consul General in New York from 2002 to 2007, said in his capacity as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom he will continue to develop the relationship between the two nations.

“As I embark of this extraordinary journey, I am fully aware of the magnitude of this office and will do my utmost to discharge my duties,” he said. “I shall devote myself unswervingly towards the attainment of your (the government’s) objectives and persevere and enhance the long friendship between the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the United Kingdom.

Mr Christie noted that Mr Bethel will also “be advancing the Bahamian cause” in France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Greece and the European Union.

“Our foreign policy team is strengthened by these men and women who understand the need to be Ambassadors for our country and also play a prime role in bringing new investment to our country,” said Mr Christie.

With the exception of Dr Newry, he said, the newly appointed Ambassadors should be situated at their various posts by November 1.

The remaining diplomatic appointments will be announced soon, Mr Christie said.