CARICOM Secretariat, Turkey, Greater Georgetown, Guyana–Picewell Forbes, Plenipotentiary Representative of The Bahamas to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), November 6 presented his Letters of Credence to Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, at the CARICOM Secretariat.

The third Plenipotentiary Representative of The Bahamas to CARICOM, Ambassador Forbes is a veteran broadcaster and communications specialist.

Describing the diplomatic appointment by the recently elected government of The Bahamas as testament to its commitment to CARICOM, Secretary-General LaRocque highlighted the significant strides The Bahamas has made in pursuit of national development and in its contribution to regional integration.

Regarding the former, he lauded the country’s aggressive quest for development in energy, tourism industries and agriculture. Job creation, youth empowerment and advances in education, were other areas he highlighted as part of The Bahamas’ “new era of prosperity.”

The Secretary-General noted that The Bahamas has been actively involved in areas of human and social development, climate change, foreign policy and security, as well as trade and economic development.

Particularly significant, he noted, was the strength of the Bahamas’ voice added to those of its fellow CARICOM Member States in seeking to articulate and defend the region’s interests in the global arena.

Ambassador Forbes’ accreditation comes at a critical juncture when efforts are being made to strengthen the community through reform and change, with a Community Strategic Plan and a restructured Secretariat as two key elements, Ambassador LaRocque said.