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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
Archbishop Patrick Pinder greets United Stated States Embassy Vice-Consul Kathleen Cayer on arrival at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral June 16. Also pictured at left, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration the Hon. Fred Mitchell and Acting U.S. Chargé d'Affaires John Armstrong, fourth from left. (BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham).
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Nassau, Bahamas - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration the Hon. Frederick Mitchell said, on June 16, 2013, that although The Bahamas “deeply” regrets what had happened, it was good to see that the United Stated States Embassy Vice-Consul Kathleen Cayer was doing well, a week after she was accosted and robbed going to St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, in Nassau, on June 9.
“It is not systemic, I think, of the general state of what is going on in The Bahamas,” Minister Mitchell said. “Certainly there is no intent towards U.S. diplomats or towards our visitors.”
Minister Mitchell was speaking at a press conference held at the entrance of the church that Ms. Cayer was en route to at the time of the incident.
Among those present at the press conference were Permanent Secretary at the Ministry Mr. Philip Miller, Archbishop the Most Rev. Patrick C. Pinder and Acting U.S. Chargé d'Affaires John Armstrong.
During the days following the incident Minister Mitchell stated that the Government, in reference to the event, was taking steps.
“The Government of The Bahamas deplores this and all acts of criminality in the strongest terms and the matter has been communicated to the Ministry of National Security for an immediate and full investigation,” Minister Mitchell said in his statement at that time.
Minister Mitchell commended the Vice Counsel on returning to work soon and wished her the best, stating that the Acting U.S. Chargé d'Affaires John Armstrong referred to her as a “trooper”.
“The Bahamas is a beautiful place; but do not leave your street smarts at home,” Mr. Armstrong said, giving a message to American visitors.
He also thanked Minister Mitchell, Mr. Miller and Archbishop Pinder for being present and supportive.
“I think that is a commitment by the Bahamian Government,” Mr. Armstrong said.
Ms. Cayer thanked everyone for their support and help since the event.
“I know that it is just one bad person and all the Bahamians have been so nice,” Ms. said.
“Our relationship with The Bahamas is incredibly close,” Mr. Armstrong noted.
“… We will never take The Bahamas for granted. Our friendship, our relationship is strong,” Mr. Armstrong continued. “This is a problem. We support The Bahamas with dealing with this problem. We want to work together. We want to help and that is where we are.”
“The country should be safe,” Minister Mitchell said. “The Government is committed to making sure that it is safe and all the officials have been prepped about this to ensure that we do everything in our power to make sure that this does not happen again.”
US Vice Consul Cayer returns to church in The
Bahamas
© Copyright 2013 by thebahamasweekly.com
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