CHICAGO, Illinois — Mr. Theo Neilly, Bahamas Consul General to Washington D.C., led the first Mission to Chicago by a Bahamas Consul General June 13 – 16, 2018.
The Mission was spearheaded by Mr. Michael Fountain, Bahamas Honorary Consul to Chicago, as a result of a meeting held on Capitol Hill in December 2017 between Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IIL) and a Bahamian delegation, headed by His Excellency Sidney Collie, Bahamas Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS).
The primary focus of the Mission was for the government of The Bahamas to connect, strengthen and establish new relationships with government officials in the State of Illinois, key business leaders and educational stakeholders to explore opportunities, which could mutually benefit educational interests and economic growth initiatives of The Bahamas while exposing the Chicago community to the vast investment opportunities in The Bahamas.
The delegation met with stakeholders such as representatives from the Office of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Office of State Representative William Davis, the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, Illinois International Port District, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and engaged in bilateral discussions regarding the opening of business markets, technology education, energy policy, increased direct airlift, trade-related shipping, economic development, agribusiness, investment and employment and training opportunities for Bahamians.
During the Mission, a reception was held to enable the Consul General to meet core members of the Bahamian Diaspora, who were recognized for their commitment to the Bahamian community in Illinois.
