PELHAM, Alabama – The Hon. Astra Armbrister-Rolle, Bahamas Consul General to Atlanta, was the special guest speaker at the annual dinner dance of Central Alabama Caribbean American Organization (CACAO) on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the Pelham Civic Complex, Banquet Hall, 500 Amphitheater Road, Pelham, Alabama.
Consul General Armbrister-Rolle, who has jurisdiction over 10 states in the Southeast United States, was introduced by renowned Bahamian entertainer Fred Ferguson.
Prior to her appointment as Consul General to Atlanta, Armbrister-Rolle was director of development for the Bahamas National Trust, where she coordinated membership and led major fundraising campaigns.
Descended from Acklins Island, she studied at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, according to an online biography.
A Welcome Message on the website of The Bahamas Consulate General in Atlanta states: “Here you will find a myriad of resources and information about The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, its economy, history, and culture as well as its relationship with the United States, with specific focus on the ten (10) jurisdictional south-eastern states we represent.
“The Consulate General-Atlanta was established in August of 2009. Since inception, we have engaged partnership with State and local officials, as well as provided services to Bahamians and U.S. citizens alike, within the southern United States.”
Continuing, it adds: “The United States is a vital partner of The Bahamas, given that we share such common values as democracy, rule of law, and open market economies. Not only is it one of The Bahamas’ largest trading partners but a number of Bahamian companies have U.S. operations, producing goods and employing Americans. We will nourish and further develop this symbiotic relationship through continued improvements to the investment climate and business opportunities in order to provide stability for national socio-economic development.
“With the support of the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, as Consul General, I will work diligently to protect our shared borders from financial crimes related to terrorist financing, money-laundering, tax fraud and white collar crimes.
“I am looking forward to engaging with each of my fellow Bahamians and friends of The Bahamas. I invite you to reconnect with our beautiful homeland and discover more about The Bahamas! Enjoy our presence in Atlanta, the southern United States and around the world.”
