Secretary-General holds talks in The Bahamas

While in Nassau to address the conference of the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association, the Commonwealth Secretary-General met with Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and T Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on 25 January 2008.

They reviewed the Commonwealth's activities to promote democracy and good governance, as well as its good offices role in dealing with potential and actual conflict situations. In this context, they discussed the situation in Kenya. They lamented the loss of life and continuing violence arising from the recent elections, but noted with cautious optimism the recent meeting between Kenyan political leaders under the auspices of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. They urged an end to the violence. While they agreed that the solution to the current situation must be Kenyan, Don McKinnon reiterated that the Commonwealth is ready to help in any appropriate way.

The discussions also focused on the upcoming elections in Pakistan, in the context of that country's suspension from the councils of the Commonwealth last November. It was noted that the Commonwealth had not been invited to observe the elections, but the Secretary-General looked forward to a visit there shortly after the elections by a Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group mission, as signalled by the Group.

Mr McKinnon briefed the Bahamian leaders on plans to implement the mandates that resulted from the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. He reported that the mandate flowing from the 'Civil Paths to Peace' report on respect and understanding holds much promise for countries and societies that suffer from religious, racial, or political tensions or violence.

Turning to the region, they reviewed the increasing violence in the Caribbean arising from the illicit trade in drugs and weapons. They noted that as traditional shipping routes are blocked, increasing amounts of drugs and weapons are transiting through the Caribbean. They noted that efforts must be made to stem the demand for such products as well as supply.

The Secretary-General concluded by stating he looks forward to returning to Nassau for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Inter-Sessional Meeting in March 2008.

Key Links:

• Country Profile: The Bahamas
• CHOGM
• Democracy

Related News:

• CARICOM
• Government of The Bahamas