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Americans seek the authority to search Bahamian-registered vessels suspected of carrying weapons of mass destruction
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U.S. Pursues Security Initiative With Bahamas:
By Macushla N. Pinder -
nassau, Bahamas:


If all goes as planned, there could be an initiative in place that would give Americans the authority to search Bahamian-registered vessels suspected of carrying weapons of mass destruction.
According to U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas Ned Siegel, the government is in the process of finalizing a Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI).

"We all know and read that keeping commercial air travelers safe is a high priority and we will continue to work with the security at the airports and seaports to make sure that the Bahamian authorities that are working those transit points are strengthened," he said.

"This initiative gives us the ability - with protocol - to board Bahamian registered ships around the world [where there is] information or intelligence [to suggest] that there may be weapons of mass destruction or materials to prevent them from even getting to port."

The Bahamas has the third largest ship registry in the world.

The Bahamas and the United States recently signed mega port and container security initiatives.

Mr. Siegel, who addressed members of the press during a roundtable Thursday, said he looks forward to continuing meetings with Cabinet ministers and listening to and understanding their priorities.

"We look forward to working with the government on the challenges ahead…I have indicated in my early meetings with the governor general, the prime minister and deputy prime minister, the United States’ desire to continue the very close and productive relationship we have had with The Bahamas," the ambassador said.

"I sense and I feel that because we have those shared values that the interest has been reciprocated from the government of The Bahamas. I have no doubt that in my short time here that our governments and people share a very deep, long and abiding commitment to the values of democracy, respect for rule of law and most importantly a deep commitment for human rights."

The Bahamas and the United States have long shared areas of mutual concern like protecting their citizens from drug trafficking, securing borders, supporting human rights, dealing with migrant smuggling as well as other criminal multi transnational organizations and potential terrorists’ threats.

"Unfortunately, in these times, we cannot put our heads in the sands. We need to think through where exposures are. We cannot allow ourselves to be a soft target," Mr. Siegel said.

"We have to understand that terrorism is a real problem and that we have to close the ways criminals exploit these smuggling routes."

During his tenure, Mr. Siegel said he also looks forward to bringing additional trade and investments to The Bahamas.

He said he is focused on economic prosperity, an achievement that no one person makes happen.

The ambassador added that while The Bahamas and the United States have had a good longstanding relationship, nothing should be taken for granted.

"It is with dialogue and understanding of what our commonalities and goals are. Our bilateral partnership is the best in the Western Hemisphere. It needs to continue to be worked on because we can take it even further," he said.

"We are people with the same desires and dreams. We want the best for our country, our family. We want to educate our children. We want to make sure that the next generation has better opportunities…It is about creating a people to people kinship…I have a large agenda, but it’s all doable."

Mr. Siegel’s relationship with The Bahamas goes as far back as 1975 when he and his family took their fist vacation to Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Since then, he has been back many times for family retreats and business meetings.

"We have wonderful fond memories of the times that we have been here…I feel now that I have come home…Without question The Bahamas is a beautiful and blessed country and I am honoured and privileged to be here as President Bush’s representative and the [representative of the] American people," Mr. Siegel said.

"In the short time I have been here, I have experienced a genuine and warm reception from everyone. I have had wonderful opportunities to meet some extraordinary Bahamians from all walks of life. It does not take long to savour the Bahamian culture."

In recent weeks, Mr. Siegel has met with various community leaders, among them Director of the Crisis Centre Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson; Director of the National AIDS Programme Dr. Perry Gomez and President and Chair of the National Drug Council Williams Weeks.

"This is just the beginning. I think an ambassador’s role is to meet and work, to touch the fabric of a community and work with its leaders, citizens and NGOs to educate, to make aware and take everyone’s agenda to the next step," the ambassador said.

Mr. Siegel was born in New Jersey and trained as an attorney, but said his true love and passion is the real estate industry.

21 December 2007

December 21, 2007 | 6:38 PM Comments  0 comments

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