Nassau, Bahamas - The
following is a statement by the Hon Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign
Affairs, made today in the House of Assembly:
I wish to inform the House that the U S Government informed me this
morning that as a result of the injury to its Vice Consul at the U S
Embassy consequent upon the robbery of that individual while heading
to church on Sunday, there has been an unexpected and adverse affect
on visa processing in the embassy in The Bahamas.
I have previously expressed our deepest regret and concern at the
matter involving the Vice Consul and I do so again now publicly. That
matter is with the police and the investigations continue.
Unfortunately, however, the Embassy says that the absence from work of
that officer means that no visa processing for Bahamians took place
today and the Charge thought that this would be for an unspecified
period of time.
I made known our concern at these developments even while
understanding the situation. I am happy to report that I have now been
informed by the Charge that visa processing will begin again tomorrow
morning.
The Embassy’s Charge has indicated that a statement will go out to the
press today. Those who were not processed today will get a call to
re-schedule their appointments. Processing through the Lynden
Pindling International and Grand Bahama International continues as
usual.
American diplomat robbed - Statement by Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs
