Ambassador-designate Nicole Avant (right) is pictured with Rhoda Jackson, Charge D'Affaires, the Bahamas' Embassy in Washington.

United States' ambassador-designate to The Bahamas, Nicole Avant, paid a courtesy call on Rhoda Jackson, Charge D'Affaires, at the Bahamas' Embassy in Washington, DC, on Friday.

Ms Avant said she was "deeply honoured" to be the first African-American woman ambassador to The Bahamas.

She said she was passionate about mentoring schoolchildren in The Bahamas, and wanted to promote 'Read To Lead', a literacy program in Bahamian public schools which grew out of an initiative started in 2005 by former US Ambassador to The Bahamas John Rood. She also expressed a keen interest in humanitarian assistance programs.

While reiterating the US' commitment to continued collaboration in critical policy areas like drug trafficking, terrorism and security, Ms Avant said she was also committed to enhancing the "excellent relationship" between The Bahamas and the United States.

Investment was also "very important" and she was hopeful that additional opportunities could be explored.

During the courtesy call, Chargé Jackson reiterated The Bahamas’ appreciation to the United States Government for its continued support.

She emphasized the need to consider increased support for scholarship opportunities for Bahamians, and climate change initiatives.

Ambassador-sesignate Avant is expected to arrive in Nassau early October.