Above: Rahming and Insulza in Washington (OAS Photo/Juan Manuel Herrera)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Elliston Rahming, the Bahamas’ new Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States, presented his credentials to OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza on Monday.

Rahming is the former superintendent of Her Majesty’s Prison in the Bahamas.

“When we joined the OAS in 1982, we made a commitment to the democratic ideals which are the foundation of this most important regional body,” he said. “I wish to reconfirm my support and the support of the government of The Bahamas to the organization, to the Secretary General, and to the OAS Secretariat, to strengthen The Bahamas’ engagement within the OAS.”

Insulza said the Bahamas had “demonstrated to prosper and develop and face economic and social problems with a very progressive view.”

The Washington ceremony was attended by several representatives from OAS member states.

“In economic terms, in social terms, in the way you deal with issues of immigration, also in matters of political democracy, in matters of security we have a lot to learn from you, and will be very proud to cooperate with you,” Insulza told Rahming.

Rahming is also the Bahamas’ Ambassador to the United States.