NEW AMBASSADOR: His Excellency Boudewin Johnannes Van Enennaam, the Netherlands Ambassador- Desinnate to the Bahamas presented his credentials to the Governor-General Her Excellency Dame Ivy Dumont. Staff Photo by Patrick Hanna
By TAMARA McKENZIE
Guardian Staff Reporter
The Bahamas will be welcoming ideas from the Netherlands, in its effort to identify further opportunities to increase investments, cooperation and mutual development.
This, according to Governor General Dame Ivy Dumont, upon accepting credentials from the Ambassador Boudewijn van Eenennaam on Thursday.
His letters of credence accredits him as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Dame Ivy told Ambassador van Eenennaam that even though tourism and financial services are The Bahamas' two major industries, such areas are undergoing creative revisions that will provide The Bahamas with enhanced markets and products.
"As there are similarities in these areas between our two countries, I hope that during your tour of duty, we will be able to collaborate to mutually beneficial ends," said the Governor General, who also told the Netherlands Ambassador that The Bahamas looks forward to further strengthening its bilateral relations during his tenure.
NEW CHIEF — The 229 delegates attending the 1st Quadrennial Session of the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists elected Dr. Leonard Audley Johnson president, to serve for the next four years. He is formerly the Executive Secretary of the Conference. During the business session delegates will also elect all of the conference leaders and departmental directors to serve for the next four years.
"Of particular note are the areas where we have a mutual interest, including among others, the further development of our tourist product and the further maximization of our trade and investment opportunities," she said.
Dame Ivy also noted that the Netherlands is in the unique position of being a greater partner in the Caribbean because of its existing presence in the region through the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, both of which are a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
She said that this presence affords opportunities for a closer exchange, with respect to common concerns and ideas for development in the region and with the countries of the European Union.
"We therefore hope to continue our cooperation through the relations between the European Union and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in which our respective countries play important roles," she said.
The Governor General further informed the Netherlands Ambassador that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and The Bahamas in 1974, both countries have maintained close and friendly ties in various international fora.
She said that both countries have continued to uphold the principles of the charter of the United Nations, maintain respect for individual rights and freedoms and the common belief in the rule of law. She said The Bahamas is committed to taking a leadership role in international maritime affairs.
"Excellency, I offer my congratulations to you as you assume your official duties and I assure you of my full support, as well as that of my office. I am pleased to learn that during your short visit to our shores, you have already forged new friendships. With this in mind, I have no doubt that you will excel in your duties to the mutual benefit of both our countries," she said.
In response, Mr. van Eenennaam said that The Bahamas and the Netherlands have more in common than one would think of at first glance. He said that as the strong points of the Bahamian economy are tourism and financial services, such sectors are vitally important for the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba as well.
"We therefore share common interests and we can mutually benefit from enhanced co-operation between our two countries. But we share more than economic interests. The most important value that we share is our belief in democratic values. I particularly admire your sense of optimism, which is so well reflected in the first line of your national anthem, 'Lift up your heads to the rising sun.' It catches in a few words, the vigour and force of a united people, and a strong sense of determination," he said.
The Netherlands Ambassador also expressed that both The Bahamas and the Netherlands play their part in strengthening the international rule of law and forges bonds of friendship between all nations. He said that given the size of both countries, we both have to rely on the power of persuasion rather than on the power of force.
"It will be my task to further strengthen the already excellent ties between our two countries. I am confronted by the thought that in a matter of days, I have already found new friendships in this town. This will make my task so much lighter and more rewarding," said the Netherlands Ambassador.
Mr. Eenennaam said also that he is looking forward to coming back to The Bahamas in order to get better acquainted with the island and its wonderful people, assuring that he would do his utmost to contribute to the friendship that has existed for so long between The Netherlands and The Bahamas and its people.
The Netherlands Ambassador will leave The Bahamas on Jan. 11.
