Nassau, Bahamas - The following is a Statement by Fred Mitchell Minister of Foreign Affairs on the Passing of Ambassador Designate from the United States to The Bahamas, Cassandra Butts:

I am shocked beyond measure by the news that Ambassador Designate Cassandra Butts has died.

This is incredible.

She never got a chance to serve in our country but I had the opportunity to work with her during the time of last year's General Assembly of the United Nations when she was on special assignment in the run up to our bid for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council.

She was thoughtful, organized, helpful and sober. She had a keen sense of judgement on just how to approach the tasks at hand. I looked forward to her confirmation and to her working in The Bahamas.

This news is very sad.

I believe that the United States has lost a great patriot. I believe that The Bahamas has lost a friend. She so looked forward to the assignment; she was so pleased that her friend the President of the United States had chosen her to serve in the Office of Ambassador. Sadly this was not to be.

I offer condolences on behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas.

May she rest in peace.

US Ambassador Nominee to The Bahamas Dies at age 50