Various journalists gathered at the US Embassy’s media part that was organized by the Public Affairs Unit. From left to right are: Dwight Strachan (standing), Guardian Radio, Kelsec Johnson, sports editor, Nassau Guardian, Taylor Ferguson-Gay, reporter Nassau Guardian, Kristina McNeil, Cable 12 News, Kendeno Knowles, ZNS and Jimenita Swain, freelance writer. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry

Nassau, Bahamas -- The Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy recently held a reception in honour of the Bahamian media on Friday, September 28, 2012 at Frankie’s Gone Banana’s at Arawak Cay, Nassau, Bahamas. Media professionals from various media houses, consultants as well as freelancers turned out to enjoy an evening of fellowship.  They were also given the opportunity to meet with Erica Thibault, public affairs officer and Lisa Moxey, media specialist at the US Embassy. Other US Embassy personnel on hand that evening included David Jea, US Narcotics Affairs officer, Dana Jea, political officer and John Lowell Armstrong, deputy chief of mission, US Embassy of The Bahamas.

One of the initiatives of the Public Affairs Section is to liaise with the local press.   As stated on the US Embassy Bahamas’ website, “ The Public Affairs Section of the Embassy of the United States of America to The Bahamas seeks to engage local communities through public diplomacy outreach.  The section works to strengthen U.S. relations in the region by:

• Explaining U.S. policies, as well as the context for policy by presenting American society in all its complexity

• Supporting U.S. policy through support for bilateral and regional programs,

• Increasing cooperation between the peoples of the United States and The Bahamas through educational and cultural exchange programs

The Embassy accomplishes these goals through a variety of means such as interacting with local press, providing information via the Embassy’s website and social media pages, and organizing cultural, educational, and exchange programs directly with the citizens of The Bahamas.”

The Bahamas Weekly’s reporter that evening was Azaleta Ishmael-Newry who enjoyed meeting Erica Thibault and Lisa Moxey of the Public Affairs Unit, reconnecting with David and Dana Jea as well as speaking with the Paco Nunez, news editor of the Tribune, Anthony Capron, editor of Bahamas Information Services, radio personnel Greg Lamb, Star 105.5FM as well as other journalists from Cable 12, ZNS, the Tribune and the Nassau Guardian.  The media party was a good mix and mingle event for local media and Embassy officials.

PR and marketing consultants and journalists Azaleta Ishmael-Newry and Giovanni Stuart mingled at the Bahamian media party that was hosted by the Public Affairs Unit of the US Embassy in The Bahamas. Photo by Eric Rose.

News editor of Bahamas Information Services, Anthony Capron (left) chat with John Lowell Armstrong, deputy chief of mission, US Embassy. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry

Inderia Saunders, freelance journalist and writer was delighted to catch up with Chester Robards, senior Tribune reporter, at the US Embassy’s Public Affairs Party that was held for the Bahamian media. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry.

Erica Thibault of the Public Affairs Unit of the US Embassy in The Bahamas at right join in on the entertainment with Dana Smith, feature writer, the Tribune and Felipe Major, Tribune photographer. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry.

From left to right: The Bahamas’ US Embassy’s Public Affairs Party was enjoyed by Greg Lampkin, Star 105.5FM, his wife Jeanine Lampkin, Elizabeth Moxey, media specialist at the US Embassy and Carlos Mackey, sports broadcaster. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry

The US Embassy in The Bahamas’ Public Affairs Unit members Elizabeth Moxey, media specialist (right) and Erica Thibault, public affairs officer, (second from right) pose with Paco Nunez, news editor, Tribune newspaper (left) and Azaleta Ishmael-Newry, Bahamas Weekly Representative and PR and marketing consultant, and in behind is Felipe Major of The Tribune. Photo by Eric Rose.

Officials from US Embassy of The Bahamas at the Bahamian media party with local radio host and his wife. From left to right are Dana Jae, political officer, David Jae, US Narcotics Affairs officer, Jeanie Lampkin of Lampkin and Co and Greg Lampkin of Star 106.5 FM. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry

The Bahamas Weekly’s reporter Azaleta Ishmael-Newry (right) also a PR and marketing consultant shares viewpoints with John Armstrong, (left) deputy chief of mission, US Embassy along with Elizabeth Moxey, media specialist with the Public Affairs Unit (second from left). Photo by Eric Rose

Two members of the Tribune newspaper pose with the Bahamas Weekly Representative and a former colleague. From left to right are: Chester Robards, senior reporter, Paco Nunez, news editor, Azaleta Ishmael-Newry, PR and marketing consultant and Rupert Missic Junior, formerly of the Tribune and now PR manager, Sandals, Bahamas. Photo by Eric Rose.