By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 29, 2024 – Bahamas Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell, who is currently in Botswana heading a Bahamas delegation that is accompanying Bahamas Governor-General Cynthia A. Pratt on an official state visit to that African country, posted a collection of photos on Facebook today and I absolutely had to share some of them with readers of my Washington, D.C. – based online publication, BAHAMAS CHRONICLE, which has a huge following among the Bahamian diaspora across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean.
Mr. Mitchell posted the photos with the following narrative:
“The Governor General Dame Cynthia Pratt arrives on her state visit to Botswana at the Sertse Khama International Airport in Gabaone on 29 July 2024. She was met by His Excellency Mokgweetsi Masisi and his entire Cabinet. There was a formal honour guard and a traditional welcome for her. Two children presented flowers. The Bahamian delegation led by Fred Mitchell and the Foreign Affairs officers met the Governor General at the airport. The visit begins officially with talks at the President’s office on 30 July 2024.”
BAHAMAS CHRONICLE EDITOR’S NOTE: This state visit by Her Excellency Dame Cynthia A. Pratt is a continuation of ongoing diplomatic efforts of Bahamas Prime Minister Philip E. Davis Administration to strengthening its diplomatic and economic relationships with African countries and in the process diversify the Bahamian local economy and forge closer political and cultural ties with African nations.
The visit to Botswana by Governor-General Pratt follows relatively closely on the heels of a state visit to Botswana earlier this year by Prime Minister Davis from March 19 – 24 accompanied by Michael Halkitis, Minister of Economic Affairs; Fred Mitchell; Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Education.
Prime Minister Davis was extended an invitation to make a state visit to Botswana by President Masisi, who along with a delegation made a state visit to The Bahamas from September 12 – 15, 2023.
