NASSAU, Bahamas, May 14, 2023 –The Hon. Sebastian Bastian, Bahamas Ambassador to the Republic of Guatemala, posted a collection of photos on Facebook that were taken at the 9th Summit of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in Guatemala when he presented his credentials to Guatemala’s President Alejandro Falla. We decided to share some of them with readers of BAHAMAS CHRONICLE. Ambassador Bastian posted the photos with the following narrative:
“Honored to officially present my credentials to Guatemala’s President Alejandro Falla as the Bahamas Ambassador to the Republic of Guatemala. Grateful to have our Prime Minister, Hon. Philip Brave Davis, join me at this special ceremony during the 9th Summit of Heads of State and/or Government of the Association of Caribbean States. Together, we’ll engage in meaningful discussions and implement multilateral actions to address the strategic interests of the Greater Caribbean.”
The Ninth Summit of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) concluded on Friday, May 12, with a final declaration agreed by the more than 60 participating delegations.
Addressing the Summit on Friday, Bahamas Prime Minister Philip E. Davis urged leaders to unite in support of the Bridgetown Initiative, a revolutionary plan that would transform how lending is extended to developing nations in a climate crisis.
While also tackling the issues of inflation, food security and climate-smart investments, Prime Minister Davis reminded leaders of the imperative to take action.
“The time to act is now, and we must act together,” Mr. Davis said. “As we exchange proposals and debate policies, we ought to be mindful of our commitment to improve the quality of life for the people we serve; the people who ought always to remain at the centre of our deliberations.”
The host Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mario Búcaro, on Thursday highlighted the representation of nations at the Summit, an expression of the road traveled, the current global challenges and the importance of integration to overcome them.
“We celebrate each of the events in the framework of this Ninth Summit as a firm testimony of the importance of the ACS and of unity for our States,” he said.
The foreign ministers and observers reaffirmed their support for the meeting, while Saudi Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud indicated that his country will strengthen relations in the areas of trade, climate change and sustainable development.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s foreign minister, Park Jin, reaffirmed his contribution to the creation of a research center between his state and the Caribbean, the second phase of sandy coasts and packaging.
