Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration the Hon. Fred Mitchell was in Chicago on September 5, for the official opening of The Office of The Bahamas Honorary Consulate in Chicago (HCC). Pictured at the HCC from left are Paulette Zonicle, Consul General for Washington DC; Minister Mitchell and the Honorary Consul for Chicago, Michael Fountain.

Chicago, ILLINOIS -- Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration the Hon. Fred Mitchell introduced Michael Fountain the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Honorary Consul for the Mid-Western United States to the Chicago Community at a reception, Friday, September 5, 2014.

Minister Mitchell said Mr. Fountain was presented with his official commission making him the first Honorary Consul for The Bahamas in Chicago, serving the mid-western states of the United States of America. The states include: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North and South Dakota and Wisconsin.

The Minister said it was quite gracious of Mr. Fountain to take on this pioneering task.“There are several responsibilities which come with this duty:

• Promoting Bahamian interests abroad;

• Promoting good relations between Bahamians and the people of this region, this state, this city;

• Promoting increased trade and commercial ties with the region, the state and the city;

• Organizing or at least supporting the organization of Bahamians who live in this region, this state and this city;

• Being a point of support and rescue for citizens of The Bahamas who are in problems; and

• Being the first point of contact for those who are interested in knowing about The Bahamas.”

In Chicago for the official opening of The Bahamas Honorary Consulate, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration the Hon. Fred Mitchell paid a courtesy call on several Chicago city officials at the office of the Mayor, Friday, September 5. From left are Jenny Cizner, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Global Affairs, City of Chicago; Minister Mitchell; Emily Berman, Deputy Director, Strategic Partnerships and Global Affairs, City of Chicago; Michael Fountain, Bahamas Honorary Consul, Chicago and Paulette Zonicle, Consul General, Washington, D.C.

Minister Mitchell explained that Mr. Fountain will be working with Paulette Zonicle Consul General, Washington D.C. on most matters, save and except on matters arising in states which are part of the district of the Consul General in Atlanta.

He said the mission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to make it as seamless as possible for Bahamians to move around the world whether for business or tourism.

“We believe that this area is one of the most dynamic in the world and it requires greater attention,” Minister Mitchell said.

“In addition, however, we have asked the U S State Department to consider honorary consuls in Los Angles, Denver and Houston.”