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    <title>Bahamas High Commission - News</title>  
    <link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/</link>  
    <description>News from the Bahamas High Commission</description>  
    <language>en-gb</language>  
    <lastBuildDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 13:00:01 GMT</lastBuildDate>  
    <copyright>Copyright: (C) Bahamas High Commission</copyright>  
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	<item>
		<title><![CDATA["Friends of The Bahamas" Welcome Reception for H.E. Eldred Bethel, High Commissioner]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On Wednesday 1 May 2013, Richard Moir, Co-founder and President of The Friends of The Bahamas (FOB), the premier network to promote commercial, cultural and educational relations between the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the international community, hosted a Welcome Reception at The Caledonian Club for H.E. Eldred Bethel, High Commissioner and Mrs Dawne Bethel.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=158</link>
		<pubDate>2013-05-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Young Diplomat of the Year]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The High Commission is proud to announce that yesterday evening, at an Awards Ceremony held in Central London, Second Secretary & Vice Consul Mr Michael Guy was named Diplomat Magazine's "Young Diplomat of the Year".]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=157</link>
		<pubDate>2013-04-30</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The Hon. D. Shane Gibson, Minister of the Public Service attends the 'Public Administration in Very Small States' Conference hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat in London from 23 to 24 April 2013]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Bahamas was represented at the 'Public Administration in Very Small States' Conference in London from 23 to 24 April 2013 by the Hon. D. Shane Gibson, Minister of the Public Service;  and Elizabeth Keju, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Public Service.   ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=156</link>
		<pubDate>2013-04-23</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamas National Children's Choir Participate in the 35th International Children's Festival in Izmir, Turkey]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Bahamas National Children's Choir (BNCC) travelled to Izmir, Turkey, from 13 to 26 April 2013 to participate in the 35th International Children's Festival.  Participation of the BNCC in this annual event was sponsored by the EXPO 2020 Izmir Bid Committee and Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT).  During their time in Turkey the children will stay with host families and will perform 'Mr. Fisher' during a live television broadcast on 23 April.  The thirteen members of the BNCC are accompanied by Directors, Dr. Patricia Bazard and Mr. Justin Dean.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=155</link>
		<pubDate>2013-04-22</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Presentation of Letters of Credence to the European Union]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[H.E. Eldred Bethel, Ambassador of The Bahamas to the European Union, presented his Letters of Credence to Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, at a ceremony in Brussels on Friday 12 April 2013.  The two men are pictured exchanging greetings.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=154</link>
		<pubDate>2013-04-16</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[40th Anniversary of Independence of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[As Independence Day is fast approaching, the Bahamas High Commission is pleased to advise of the activities planned for this year's celebration.  ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=153</link>
		<pubDate>2013-04-08</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Presentation of Credentials to the Kingdom of Belgium]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[We are pleased to announce that at 12noon on Wednesday, 13 March 2013, H.E. Mr Eldred E Bethel was received in Audience by His Majesty King Albert II, King of the Belgians, during which time Ambassador Bethel handed over his Letters of Credence accrediting him as non-resident Ambassador of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Kingdom of Belgium.  The ceremony took place at the Royal Laeken Castle in Brussels, Belgium. Accompanying Ambassador Bethel was Mr Frank Davis, First Secretary & Consul in the Embassy, based in London.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=152</link>
		<pubDate>2013-03-15</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Commonwealth Day 2011: Opportunity through Enterprise]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The High Commission is pleased to reproduce the Messages from the Head of the Commonwealth, HM Queen Elizabeth II, and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, H.E. Kamalesh Sharma, on this year's Commonwealth theme: 'Opportunity through Enterprise', which is being celebrated today around the Commonwealth.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=149</link>
		<pubDate>2013-03-11</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Presentation of Credentials by H.E. Eldred Bethel to the President of the French Republic]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On Friday 22 February 2013, H.E. Eldred Bethel, presented his formal Letters of Credence to His Excellency Francois Hollande, President of the French Republic, accrediting him as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the French Republic, with residence in London.    ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=150</link>
		<pubDate>2013-03-11</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Courtesy Call on Mr. Koji Sekimizu, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[H.E. Eldred Bethel, High Commissioner and Permanent Representative to the IMO, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Koji Sekimizu, Secretary-General of the IMO, on Tuesday 5 March 2013.   The High Commissioner was accompanied by Cdr. Davy Rolle, Director & CEO, of The Bahamas Maritime Authority who presented the Secretary-General with The Bahamas' assessed contribution to the IMO for 2013.  As the fourth largest ship register in the world, The Bahamas' annual assessed contribution is in excess of  one million GBP Sterling, making The Bahamas one of the largest contributors to the UN Organization.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=151</link>
		<pubDate>2013-03-11</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[White Paper - A Value Added Tax Within A Reformed Tax System  ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[In the 2012/13 Budget Communication, the Government announced that it would address the issue of tax reform as a means of broadening the tax base to include both goods and services. To that end, a White Paper has been prepared and issued to serve as the basis for extensive public discussions and consultations. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=148</link>
		<pubDate>2013-03-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA['True North' Volvo Open 70 Yachts Visits The Bahamas as Part of Dubai's Bid to Host World EXPO 2020]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA['True North' is a Volvo Open 70 that competed in the 2008 - 2009 edition of the Volvo Open Race which Expo2020 Dubai has chartered and re-branded to promote Dubai as a candidate city to host the World Expo in 2020.  The yacht visited The Bahamas from 7 to 14 February 2013 and connected with The Bahamas Sailing Association where young Bahamian sailors were treated to an hour and half sail out to sea, where they were invited to take turns 'trimming' and 'helming.' ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=146</link>
		<pubDate>2013-02-26</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Her Majesty Elizabeth II Receives High Commissioner and Mrs Bethel]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On Wednesday, 20 February 2013, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II received His Excellency Mr Eldred E Bethel, High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and his wife Mrs Dawne Bethel.  The meeting took place at Buckingham Palace at 12:30pm, following which the High Commissioner and Mrs Bethel hosted a "Vin d'honneur" at Bahamas House in London.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=145</link>
		<pubDate>2013-02-21</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamas Attends UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Bahamas' delegation to the Second Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (on human rights) and 15th Session of the UPR Working Group was led by Senator the Hon Z.C Allyson Maynard Gibson, Attorney General aand Minister of Legal Affairs.  In presenting The Bahamas' report to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on 23 January 2013, the Attorney General said that "at the national level, our participation in this process is indicative of the significance which The Bahamas attributes to the promotion and protection of fundamental freedoms and human rights and of its commitment to the principles of the United Nations and other international bodies that seek to promote and protect such rights.  On behalf of myself, members of my delegation and my country, I wish to reaffirm The Bahamas' commitment and support for the work of the Human Rights Council (HRC) and its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism"]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=143</link>
		<pubDate>2013-01-24</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[National Referendum ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The High Commission is pleased to advise that it served as an Overseas Polling Station for the National Referendum on Gaming in The Bahamas, which is to be held on Monday 28 January 2013.  
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=144</link>
		<pubDate>2013-01-22</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Voter Registration ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The High Commission is pleased to remind Bahamian Nationals who qualify, that voter registration continues at the Mission in advance of the National Referendum on "Web Cafe" and "National Lottery" to be held on Monday 28 January 2013.  The current legislation allows ONLY for students and Bahamian Government workers, their spouses and any immediate member of the family living within their household,  to register and vote from overseas.  Any individuals outside of these categories, i.e., Students, and staff of the Bahamas High Commission, Bahamas Tourist Office, Bahamas Maritime Authority and any international organization to which The Bahamas is accredited;  may register and vote only in The Bahamas. 
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=141</link>
		<pubDate>2013-01-04</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Welcome to the New High Commissioner]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The High Commission is pleased to announce that His Excellency Mr. Eldred E Bethel arrived in London on Monday, 17 December 2012 to take up his appointment as High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Court of St. James's.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=142</link>
		<pubDate>2012-12-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamian Diplomat Re-elected to the post of President of the "Young Diplomats in London Association"]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The High Commission wishes to congratulate Second Secretary/Vice Consul Mr Michael Guy on being re-elected to the post of President of the "Young Diplomats in London" Association for a second year.  The election took place yesterday at the Annual General Meeting of the YDL Association.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=140</link>
		<pubDate>2012-11-28</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The Bahamas International Business & Investment Forum,  "At the Crossroads of 21st Century Trade and Investment", 20 - 21 February 2013 , Freeport , The Bahamas ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Invitation from the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie: "The Bahamas International Business & Investment Forum will highlight the key advantages The Bahamas, and Grand Bahama in particular, will have in capitalising on the expansion of the Panama Canal, which is due to be completed in 2014. The event will also showcase The Bahamas as a global investment destination of choice with a wide range of opportunities across a number of key sectors. Held under the theme "At the Crossroads of 21st Century Trade and Investment", the Forum will be organised by the Government of The Bahamas, the Commonwealth Business Council and the Grand Bahama Port Authority".]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=139</link>
		<pubDate>2012-11-19</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Referendum on Gaming in The Bahamas]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 13 November 2013, Prime Minister Christie announced that the referendum initially planned to be held on 3 December 2012 has been postponed to 28 January 2013.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=137</link>
		<pubDate>2012-11-14</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Minister of Transport and Aviation pays a Courtesy Call on the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, MP, Minister of Transport and Aviation paid a Courtesy Call on the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on Monday, November 12, 2012.  She was accompanied by Anthony Kikivarakis, Chairman of The Bahamas Maritime Authority; Peter Goulandris, Deputy Chairman of The Bahamas Maritime Authority; Commodore Davy Rolle, Director & CEO of The Bahamas Maritime Authority; and Frank Davis, Acting High Commissioner & Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO.   ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=138</link>
		<pubDate>2012-11-12</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamian Artist Holly Parotti Participates in the Royal Overseas League Annual Scholars Exhibition 2012]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The work of Bahamian Artist Miss Holly Parotti can now be viewed as part of the Royal Overseas League's Annual Scholars Exhibition 2012.  The show, which runs until 21 October, is at the "gallery@oxo", Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, London SE1 9PH, and admission is free.  ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=136</link>
		<pubDate>2012-10-15</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The Hon Frederick A. Mitchell, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Addresses the 67th Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On Saturday, 29 September 2012, the Hon Frederick A Mitchell, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, took part in the General Debate of the 67th Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=135</link>
		<pubDate>2012-09-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The Late Honourable Paul L. Adderley ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Cabinet Office has advised that a Full State Funeral will be held for the late Honourable Paul Lawrence Adderley, Former Acting Governor General, Cabinet Minister, Senator and Parliamentarian, on Friday 28 September 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral on George Street.   His body will lie-in-state in the foyer of the House of Assembly for public viewing from Thursday 27 September 2012 to funeral time on Friday 28 September 2012. Interment will be in the Western Cemetery.

A Book of Condolence would be opened at the High Commission on Thursday and Friday, 27 and 28 September 2012, between the hours of 11am and 1pm, and again between 2 and 5pm.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=134</link>
		<pubDate>2012-09-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Farewell to H.E. Mr Paul Farquharson and Mrs Sharon Farquharson]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Bahamas High Commission bid farewell to H.E. Paul Farquharson, High Commissioner, who departed the United Kingdom today after serving as High Commissioner to the Court of St. James's since February 2008. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=133</link>
		<pubDate>2012-08-21</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Congratulations to our London 2012 Mens 4 x 400 Metres Relay Team for Winning the Gold Medal !]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS - MESSAGE FROM THE RT HON PERRY G. CHRISTIE, PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF FINANCE:   On behalf of the Government and all the people of The Bahamas and on my personal behalf, I extend my most enthusiastic congratulations to the winners of the gold medal in the men's 4 x 400 metres relay held in London today (Friday). The magnificent quartet of Chris Brown, Demetrius Pinder, Michael Mathieu and Ramon Miller have done our nation proud. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=132</link>
		<pubDate>2012-08-12</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Team Bahamas - London Olympics 2012]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The High Commission is pleased to welcome Team Bahamas to London for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.  The team consists of fifteen (15) men and eleven (11) women.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=130</link>
		<pubDate>2012-08-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Tickets for London 2012 Olympics for Nationals from The Bahamas]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Bahamian Nationals interested in securing tickets for the London 2012 Olympic Games can do so  through the authorised ticket reseller for The Bahamas, Cartan Tours and Global Sports Partners.  
 ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=127</link>
		<pubDate>2012-07-30</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meet in London, 25 July 2012]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Minister of Youth Sports & Culture, Hon. Daniel Johnson met with Sports ministers and senior officials from 43 Commonwealth nations in London on July 25 for the 6th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting. The meeting was chaired by Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport and the Olympics for the United Kingdom. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=131</link>
		<pubDate>2012-07-30</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamas Represented in the Cultural Olympiad]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Cultural Olympiad, as part of the London 2012 Festival has kicked off in London and will culminate in the Olympic BT River of Music 21st and 22nd July, the weekend before the Olympic Opening Ceremony on July 27th.  The Olympic BT River of Music is a celebration of music at various iconic sites along the Thames River, featuring artists from all the Olympic and Paralympic nations.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=129</link>
		<pubDate>2012-07-12</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Appointment of Mr Thomas Herzog as Honorary Consul of The Bahamas in Frankfurt am Main, Germany]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The High Commission is pleased to announce that Mr Thomas Herzog has been appointed as Honorary Consul for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in Frankfurt am Main, with responsibility for all of Germany.  His appointment took effect on 25 April 2012.  H.E. Mr. Paul H Farquharson, High Commissioner and Ambassador to Germany, presented Mr. Herzog with his Letter of Commission on Thursday, 5 July 2012 at Bahamas London in London.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=128</link>
		<pubDate>2012-07-05</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamas Financial Services Board Visits Europe]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Nassau, The Bahamas - The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) has completed a busy eight day schedule of events and meetings with private banks, independent asset managers, lawyers, accountants and family offices in Switzerland and the United Kingdom.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=125</link>
		<pubDate>2012-07-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[International Youth Forum Organised by Liege Expo 2017]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The High Commission would like to invite Bahamian nationals between the ages of 18 and 30 who are resident in the United Kingdom, France or Belgium to submit an application to represent the Bahamas by participating in an International Youth Forum, organised by Liege Expo 2017.  
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=124</link>
		<pubDate>2012-06-26</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamas Attends 95th Session of ACP Council of Ministers and 37th Session of ACP-EU Council of Ministers, 11-15 June 2012, Port Vila, Vanuatu]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[His Excellency Mr. Paul H. Farquharson QPM, Ambassador of The Bahamas to the European Union, is currently leading a delegation to the Meetings of the ACP and ACP-EU Council of Ministers, taking place in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=123</link>
		<pubDate>2012-06-14</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[U.S. and The Bahamas Commemorate Memorial Day and Pay Tribute to Fallen Heroes]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On Monday, May 28, U.S. and Bahamian government officials as well as family members came together to mark Memorial Day by paying tribute to those who gave their lives for freedom. The occasion was also set aside to give special recognition to the ten members of US Patrol Squadron 23, LTJG William H. Martin; ENS John C. Tinney; AT3 Joseph A. Kiliszewski; ATAN Thomas R. Caylor; AT3 Albert J. Olson; ENS Leland R. Osborn; ADC John W. Holle; AO3 Franz E. Nelson; AD3 Gerald P. Lepard and AL1 Fred M. Sparks, who lost their lives during a training mission off of the coast of Nassau on May 7, 1954 and Bahamian Private First Class (PFC) Norman Darling who died in the Iraq War in 2004.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=122</link>
		<pubDate>2012-05-30</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamas Attends First Global African Diaspora Summit, 25 May 2012, Johannesburg, South Africa]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Bahamas was represented at the First Global African Diaspora Summit, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 25 May 2012, by the Hon Fred A Mitchell, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration.   ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=121</link>
		<pubDate>2012-05-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[High Level Meeting on Piracy]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On Wednesday, 16 May 2012, H.E. Paul Farquharson, High Commissioner and Permanent Representative of The Bahamas to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), delivered a Statement at the High Level Meeting on Piracy during the 90th Session of the Maritime Safety Committee at IMO Headquarters in London.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=120</link>
		<pubDate>2012-05-16</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Christie Takes Oath as Prime Minister of The Bahamas ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes swore in the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie as the fifth prime minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas during an Appointment Ceremony at Government House, Tuesday, May 8, 2012, one day after the May 7 general election. During the general election, Prime Minister Christie's Progressive Liberal Party won over the Free National Movement and he retained his seat as the Member of Parliament for Centreville, formerly the Farm Road Constituency. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=118</link>
		<pubDate>2012-05-08</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Commonwealth Business Council's Director General Calls on the Governor-General]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Sir Alan Collins KCVO CMG, Director General and Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Business Council paid a courtesy call on His Excellency the Governor-General on Monday, 7 May, 2012.  

The Director General and Chief Executive was in The Bahamas for a board meeting of one of the private companies he sits on. 

While in Nassau he was also able to pay a courtesy call also on Ms Marilyn Zonicle, Under Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=119</link>
		<pubDate>2012-05-07</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Advance Poll, 1 May 2012]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On the eve of an historic Advance Poll, Prime Minister Ingraham addressed the nation. He said that it was "important for people from around the world to see first hand that democracy in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas continues to thrive! We can be justly proud of our accomplishments and that of our forefathers to ensure and protect our nation and the right of Bahamians."

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=116</link>
		<pubDate>2012-05-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Closure to the General Public, Tuesday, 1 May 2012]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Bahamas High Commission will be closed to the general public on Tuesday, 1 May 2012.  Normal business will resume on Wednesday, 2 May 2012, at 9:30am.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=115</link>
		<pubDate>2012-04-30</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Polling Day In London: Tuesday, 1 May 2012]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Bahamian citizens enrolled on the Overseas Register,  London, may cast their vote in the Parliamentary Elections on Tuesday, 1 May 2012, at Bahamas House, between the hours of 8am and 6pm GMT.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=113</link>
		<pubDate>2012-04-17</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[PM Announces May 7 Election]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham announced in a National Address yesterday evening that the next general election will be held on 7 May 2012.

The National Address came six hours after Parliament was officially dissolved by a proclamation from Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes.  Provost Marshall Ellison Greenslade read the proclamation on the steps of the House of Assembly at 2pm.  

Parliament would be re-convened on 23 May 2012.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=112</link>
		<pubDate>2012-04-11</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Voters Registration Closed]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Any nationals in the United Kingdom and/or Europe who have not yet submitted their "Form J" Applications and supporting documentation to the High Commission must do so by Tuesday, 17 April 2012. 
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=111</link>
		<pubDate>2012-04-10</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The Bahamas warmly welcomes Prince Harry]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[NASSAU, The Bahamas --  The Bahamas laid out the Red Carpet to welcome HRH Prince Harry, who is representing his grandmother Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, as she celebrates her Diamond Jubilee year.  Prince Harry, 27, arrived in the capital Nassau, Saturday, March 3, on board his aircraft which touched down at the Odyssey Aviation Bahamas at the Lynden Pindling International Airport at 7p.m.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=110</link>
		<pubDate>2012-03-06</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Courtesy Call on Mr. Koji Sekimizu, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[H.E. Paul Farquharson, High Commissioner and Permanent Representative to the IMO, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Koji Sekimizu, Secretary-General of the IMO, on Friday 24 February 2012.  The High Commissioner was accompanied by Mr. Davy Rolle, Director & CEO, of The Bahamas Maritime Authority who presented the Secretary-General with The Bahamas' assessed contribution to the IMO for 2012.  As the fourth largest ship register in the world, The Bahamas' annual assessed contribution is in excess of one million GBP Sterling making The Bahamas one of the largest contributors to the UN Organization.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=109</link>
		<pubDate>2012-02-27</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Overseas Voter Registration Now Open]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The High Commission is pleased to advise that Bahamian Nationals who qualify may now make an appointment to  register themselves to be added to the Voters Register.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=104</link>
		<pubDate>2012-02-23</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Closer Look: Architecture Talks - Sun & Shadow: Caribbean Homes by Ray Nathaniels]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[FREE TALK: The Sri Lankan born, London trained architect, Ray James Holman Nathaniels (1920-2005) spent fifty years designing elegant resort homes in the Bahamas blending local materials within a modern architectural vocabulary.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=108</link>
		<pubDate>2012-02-13</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamas Attends 7th UK/Caribbean Forum]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Government of The Bahamas was represented at the 7th UK/Caribbean Forum, which was held in St. George's, Grenada from 20 to 22 January 2012.  The Bahamian delegation was lead by H.E. Mr. Sidney Collie, High Commissioner to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and included Mr. Frank Davis, First Secretary and Consul, Bahamas High Commission; Ms Charmaine Williams, Foreign Service Officer; and Ms Rita Kaufmann, Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=107</link>
		<pubDate>2012-01-22</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[HRH Prince Harry To Visit The Bahamas]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[St. James's Palace has announced that HRH Prince Harry will visit Belize, The Bahamas and Jamaica on behalf of The Queen as part of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee celebrations from 2 March to 8 March.  
 
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=106</link>
		<pubDate>2012-01-19</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Tax Information Exchange Agreement between the Governments of the Commmonwealth of The Bahamas and Malta]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Bahamas High Commission is pleased to announce that today, in London, an Agreement for the Exchange of Information Relating to Tax Matters was signed between the Governments of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Malta.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=105</link>
		<pubDate>2012-01-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Death of Sir Clifford Darling, GCVO, JP, former Governor-General, Cabinet Minister and Parliamentarian]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The High Commission, with deep regret, has the duty to inform of the death of Sir Clifford Darling, GCVO, JP, former Governor-General, Cabinet Minister and Parliamentarian of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=100</link>
		<pubDate>2012-01-03</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Prime Minister's 2011 Christmas Message]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 23rd December 2011, the Rt Hon Hubert A. Ingraham, M.P., Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, delivered his annual Christmas Message to the Nation.  The text of his message is repeated below.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=102</link>
		<pubDate>2011-12-23</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Christmas Message by His Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Arthur A Foulkes, GCMG]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Following is the text of the Christmas 2011 Message by His Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Arthur A. Foulkes, GCMG]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=103</link>
		<pubDate>2011-12-23</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The Bahamas and Germany Conclude a Tax Information Exchange Agreement]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The High Commission is pleased to announce that on 12 December 2011, the Exchange of Instruments of Ratification regarding the Agreement between the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Federal Republic of Germany on Assistance in Civil and Criminal Tax matters through the Exchange of Information, took place at Bahamas House between H.E. Paul Farquharson, QPM, High Commissioner to the Court of St. James, and H.E. Georg Boomgaarden, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany.  ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=101</link>
		<pubDate>2011-12-12</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[College of The Bahamas - Faculty Vacancies]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Established in 1974, The College of The Bahamas is the national higher education institution of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. With an enrolment of almost 5000 students, The College offers an MBA, bachelor degrees and some associate degrees. The College enjoys extensive links with tertiary institutions throughout the Caribbean and North America and its credits are accepted by more than 200 colleges and universities in those regions and in Great Britain. With a view to attaining university status, the College has embarked aggressively upon a major expansion of its programme offerings, research activities and physical facilities and is incorporating e-learning methodologies into its repertoire of strategies for delivering instruction.

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=99</link>
		<pubDate>2011-12-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamas Successful in Bid  for Re-election to the IMO Council ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Bahamas was successful in its bid for re- election to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) under Category "C", at the 27th Session of the IMO Assembly in London from November 21 to 30, 2011]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=98</link>
		<pubDate>2011-11-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Second Secretary and Vice Consul Michael Guy Elected to the Post of President of the Young Diplomats in London (YDL) Association]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The members of Young Diplomats in London (YDL) have elected Mike Guy, Second Secretary/Vice-Consul, of the High Commission of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas as their new President for the term from November 2011 to October 2012 at the YDL Annual General Meeting held on 17 November 2011.  Mike Guy is the 6th President of YDL and successor of Marwan Francis of the Embassy of Lebanon. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=97</link>
		<pubDate>2011-11-28</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Dr Davidson Hepburn Ends Presidency of 36th General Conference of UNESCO]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[PARIS, France  - Dr. Davidson Hepburn gave his closing address to the 36th General Session of UNESCO by performing a rendition of Frank Sinatra's famed song, "I Did it My Way", recounting his efforts to lobby for greater participation of small island states in UNESCO's affairs, education for all and gender parity for all citizens of the world.   ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=95</link>
		<pubDate>2011-10-31</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Banking and Financial Services: Enhancing Access & Economic Resilience ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Hon. T. Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, addressed the Commonwealth Business Conference in Perth, Australia on 26 October 2011.  
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=96</link>
		<pubDate>2011-10-26</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, 28 - 30 October 2011, Perth, Australia]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The High Commission is pleased to announce that the delegation of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, Australia, would be lead by the Hon. T. Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foriegn Affairs and Immigration.   The theme for CHOGM 2011, "Building National Resilience, Building Global Resilience", reflects the importance of addressing these challenges at multiple levels: as individual states, as members of the Commonwealth, and as part of the global community.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=94</link>
		<pubDate>2011-10-21</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA["Bahamian" Othello]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Starring Bahamian actor Craig Pinder as Othello, Belinda Owusu, Eastenders' Libby Fox, in her stage debut as Desdemona, and Moses Hardwick as Iago.

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=93</link>
		<pubDate>2011-10-10</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Wanted - 16 Brides for 16 Islands]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Today the Bahamas Tourist Office issues the ultimate romantic proposal -  the 16 Islands Wedding Invitation.  Brides-and-grooms-to-be looking for wedding inspiration should take a couple of minutes in front of a camera to tell us why they would like to win a free wedding in The Bahamas. Sixteen couples will each win a luxury wedding - including a designer dress, rings and wedding ceremony on one of the main 16 Islands of The Bahamas.  And all they have to do is choose their island, switch on the camcorder and tell us why that island is the one for them.  We will then select the 16 couples who will marry simultaneously on 16 May 2012, at 16:00 hrs on 16 different Islands of The Bahamas.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=92</link>
		<pubDate>2011-09-16</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Short Stay Visa Waiver Agreement between the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Principality of Liechtenstein]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Bahamas Mission to the European Union, based in London, is pleased to announce that on Friday, 9 September 2011, in Brussels, Belgium, H.E. Mr. Paul H. Farquharson, QPM, Ambassador of The Bahamas to the European Union, signed the "Short Stay Visa Waiver Agreement" between The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Principality of Liechtenstein.  Signing on behalf of the latter was H.E. Mr. Kurt Jaeger, Ambassador of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the European Union]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=91</link>
		<pubDate>2011-09-12</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Government Responds to Moody's Ratings Report]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Bahamas Information Services:  The Government of The Bahamas is pleased to learn that Moody's has affirmed The Bahamas' A3 bond ratings, which reaffirms the credit profile of the country.  The Government also acknowledges the rating agency's revised outlook of the Bahamian economy from stable to negative.  The recent global economic and financial crisis profoundly impacted the Bahamian economy and required extraordinary levels of spending on the part of the Government to safeguard the financial system, boost economic activity and provide assistance to Bahamians badly in need of help in these trying times, this at a time when government revenue experienced precipitous declines.  The unusually high rise in debt levels therefore was not surprising and in fact forecasted by the Government in light of the worse global economic and financial crisis since The Great Depression.  Despite this, we maintain in the circumstances a debt-to-GDP ratio that is one of the lowest in our region. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=90</link>
		<pubDate>2011-08-31</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[NEMA Receives New Preliminary Reports from Southeast and Central Bahamas on Hurricane Irene]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[NASSAU, The Bahamas  - The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) presented a preliminary account on the most recent impact of Hurricane Irene on the various Bahamian Islands, August 25, 2011.

In the Southeast Bahamas, there were several reports made to NEMA, as the NEOC was in continuous contact with Family Island administrators and disaster management stakeholders.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=88</link>
		<pubDate>2011-08-26</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[NEMA Receives Briefings from BEC]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[NASSAU, The Bahamas -  The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) received information from the Bahamas Electricity Corporation and the Lynden Pindling International Airport, on August 25, 2011, concerning issues arising from Hurricane Irene’s effect on the various Bahamian Islands.

The Bahamas Electricity Corporation reported that it is presently monitoring its systems in New Providence and the Family Islands as Hurricane Irene continues to impact the country.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=89</link>
		<pubDate>2011-08-26</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Update on Hurricane Irene]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[NASSAU, The Bahamas  - The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) presented a preliminary account on the impact of Hurricane Irene on the various Bahamian Islands, August 24, 2011.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=87</link>
		<pubDate>2011-08-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Statement by the Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham, Prime Minister, on Hurricane Irene]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On Wednesday, 23 August 2011, Prime Minister Ingraham addressed the nation during the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) press briefing on Hurricane Irene.  ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=86</link>
		<pubDate>2011-08-24</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The Bahamas Celebrates 38 Years of Independence]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 10 July 2011, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas observed the 38th anniversary of its Independence from the United Kingdom.  ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=84</link>
		<pubDate>2011-07-12</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Budget 2011/2012 Contribution by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Speaking in the House of the Assembly on Wednesday, 1 June 2011, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Hon. T. Brent Symonette, M.P., made his contribution to the debate on the Government's proposed budget for 2011/2012.

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=83</link>
		<pubDate>2011-06-10</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Budget 2011 -  2012 Communication]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Right Honourable Hubert A. Ingraham, M.P.,presented the 2011/2012 Budget Communication to Parliament, May 25, announcing a budget whose major emphasis is jobs and skills development. Prime Minister Ingraham is pictured leading Cabinet Members across Rawson Square to the House of Assembly. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=82</link>
		<pubDate>2011-05-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[H.E. Paul Farquharson QPM Presents Credentials to the Hellenic Republic]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On Wednesday, 25 May 2011, H.E. Mr. Paul Farquharson QPM presented his Letters of Credence as the first Ambassador of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Hellenic Republic.   The Ambassador, who is resident in the United Kingdom, presented his Credentials to H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Karolos Papoulias.  ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=85</link>
		<pubDate>2011-05-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The Department of Statistics Releases Gross Domestic Product 2010 Figures]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The National Accounts Section of the Department of Statistics announces the release of the 2010 preliminary estimates along with the historically revised estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the period 1997 to 2009.   The 2010 preliminary results are based on early estimates from major data sources such as the Central Bank, Ministry of Tourism, and the Foreign Trade Section of the Department of Statistics, etc. They are also based on indicators which normally mimic movements of particular industries such as hotel room rates, megawatt sales, Building Permits, chargeable telephone minutes, Consumer Price Index, etc. The 2010 GDP figures are Preliminary and as more data become available the figures will be revised in keeping with international practices and procedures. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=81</link>
		<pubDate>2011-05-17</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[New Voter Registration]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Parliamentary Commissioner wishes to inform the general public that by Order of the Governor General, the Current Register of Voters will expire on the 14th July, 2011.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=80</link>
		<pubDate>2011-05-10</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The Wedding of HRH Prince William of Wales and Miss Catherine Middleton, 29 April 2011]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Their Excellencies the Governor General and Lady Foulkes; the Right Honourable Hubert A. Ingraham, Prime Minister, and Mrs. Delores Ingraham; and H.E. High Commissioner Paul H. Farquharson and Mrs. Sharon Farquharson represented  the Commonwealth of The Bahamas at the Wedding of HRH Prince William of Wales and Miss Catherine Middleton on 29 April 2011.  

	]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=79</link>
		<pubDate>2011-05-04</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[National Art Gallery of The Bahamas - Job Openings]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas is the first institution of its kind in the history of The Bahamas. In 1996, Prime Minister Ingraham first announced the establishment of The National Art Gallery as part of an expanded system of museums. The Government’s initiative to support a national art gallery reflects an understanding of how such institutions assist in nation building.

The Gallery opened in July 2003 in historic Villa Doyle. It is a corporation managed by a Board of Directors with the mission to collect, preserve, document and promote a National Collection of art for the benefit and education of Bahamians and the wider international audience. The NAGB assists in defining the Bahamian art movement that has, to this point, developed informally and works to support national, regional and international collaborations and exhibition opportunities and exchanges of art and artists. The National Art Gallery supports the artistic community by extending its audiences, helping to define its standards and practices, and by broadening its impact.

It is a vibrant and energetic work place that serves to cultivate all who walk through its doors.

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=78</link>
		<pubDate>2011-04-14</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Commonwealth Commits to Local Economic Development]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Commonwealth local authorities have pledged to develop partnerships with business, the private sector and development agencies to help their communities out of the recession. The "Cardiff Consensus for Local Economic Development"  also commits local government to become more strategic when developing local infrastructure, tourism and services.

The Consensus was the culmination of a three day conference, organised by the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) in Cardiff City Hall, Wales. Local and central government representatives from 51 countries looked at how partnerships in local economic development can improve efficiency and prosperity.

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=77</link>
		<pubDate>2011-04-11</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Shareholders Agreement for the Transfer of 51% of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to Cable and Wireless Communications Plc (CWC)]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[NASSAU, Bahamas -- The Treasurer of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas signed the Shareholders Agreement to allow the transfer of 51 per cent of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to Cable and Wireless Communications Plc (CWC), Wednesday, April 6, 2011. Before the signing at the Cabinet Office, Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Hubert A Ingraham said, "This has been a very long journey and at times a difficult journey. We never lost sight of our commitment to improve the delivery of telecommunications services to the Bahamian public; a commitment first made by my government in 1992," Prime Minister Ingraham said. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=76</link>
		<pubDate>2011-04-06</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[UK Visa Clinic]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Bristish Consulate-General in New York will conduct a Visa Clinic on Wednesday 30th March, 2011 between 11 AM and 1:00 PM at Police Conference Centre, Police Headquarters, East Street, Nassau.  The purpose of the clinic is to bring to the attention of perspective travellers recent changes to the UK student visa requirements. Experience has shown that common mistakes have been made in completing the visa application resulting in loss of funds and delays in students being able to travel to the UK to commence their studies.

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=54</link>
		<pubDate>2011-03-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Governor-General Youth Awards]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Medals for participants in the Governor General's Youth Awards programme were presented at Government House on March 23 by His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex. Pictured from left: Retired Governor General Sir Orville Turnquest, Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes and HRH Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=75</link>
		<pubDate>2011-03-24</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Presentation of Letters of Appointment to Honorary Consul of The Bahamas in Oslo, Norway]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The High Commission is pleased to announce that at a ceremony held at "Bahamas House" in London on Friday, 18 March 2011, Mrs. Masha Le Gris Stromme was presented by High Commissioner Paul Farquharson with her Letters of Appointment as the new Honorary Consul for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in Oslo, Norway.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=72</link>
		<pubDate>2011-03-22</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Local Government Forum Centres Strategies to Boost Globalisation]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Nassau, The Bahamas - Local Government authorities worldwide are promoting responsibility for sustainable economic development.  The Forum is concentrating on the expansion of healthy local economies that support the tax-base of the central government and budgets of local authorities.    Minister of State for Lands & Local Government, the Hon. Byran Woodside will represent the Americas and head a 16-person delegation to the Sixth Commonwealth Local Government Conference in Cardiff, Wales from March 13 to 19, 2011.  The conference follows up on the success of the Grand Bahama conference held just two years ago.  ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=73</link>
		<pubDate>2011-03-14</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, 11 March 2011]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Government and People of The Bahamas join with citizens around the world in expressing profound sorrow at the terrible loss of life and the human tragedy resulting from the catastrophic earthquake and horrific tsunami impacting Japan on 11 March 2011.  Speaking on the matter, Prime Minister Ingraham said he had no doubt that the thoughts and prayers of all Bahamians are with the victims and their families as they endure the pain of the dreadful natural disasters that continue to impact Japan.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=74</link>
		<pubDate>2011-03-12</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Courtesy Call on H.E. Efthimios Mitropoulos, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[H.E. Mr. Paul Farquharson, High Commissioner and Permanent Representative to the IMO, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Efthimios Mitropoulos, Secretary-General of the IMO, on Monday 14 February 2011.  The High Commissioner was accompanied by Commodore Davy Rolle, Director & CEO, of The Bahamas Maritime Authority who presented the Secretary-General with The Bahamas' assessed contribution to the IMO for 2011.  As the fourth largest ship register in the world, The Bahamas' annual assessed contribution is in excess of £1,000,000 (one million GBP Sterling) making The Bahamas one of the largest contributors to the UN Organization.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=71</link>
		<pubDate>2011-03-08</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Air Passenger Duty]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The UK currently imposes an Air Passenger Duty (APD) on all passengers departing from UK airports. The tax was introduced by the Conservative Government in 1994 as a "green tax" designed to account for aviation's impact on the environment but since then there has been no indication how the GBP 1.9 billion collected in 2009/10 was applied. 

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=70</link>
		<pubDate>2011-02-07</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Notice for Bahamian Nationals Entering the United Kingdom]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The High Commission wishes to advise all Bahamian nationals who plan to travel to the United Kingdom to ensure that they are in possession of the proper entry and re-entry permits.  This pertains especially to Bahamian students who may be returning to the UK after their holidays abroad to continue their courses.  The High Commission is not in a position to assist anyone who attempts to enter the UK, or any other country, without the proper documentation.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=66</link>
		<pubDate>2011-01-06</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[New Year's Day Junkanoo Parade]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Valley Boys under the theme Majestic Africa, took first place in Division A at the New Year's Junkanoo Parade, held Saturday, 1 January 2011. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=68</link>
		<pubDate>2011-01-05</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Remembering Haiti]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[As the anniversary of the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti approaches, the organization "United Haitians in the UK" is holding two events: a remembrance service and charity ball.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=69</link>
		<pubDate>2011-01-05</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Boxing Day 2010 Junkanoo Parade]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Shell Saxons Superstars finished first overall in the Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade, Monday, December 27, under the theme "The Great Aztec Empire."  The group also won Best Music, Best Costume, and Best Choreograph Dancers. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=67</link>
		<pubDate>2010-12-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Christmas Message from His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes, GCMG,  Governor General, 2010 ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[My Fellow Bahamians:  It is with a grateful spirit that I greet you during the Christmas season, a time of generosity and gift-giving.  It was at the first Christmas that the angels sang, "Peace on earth to men of goodwill".
Christmas is a time to renew our commitment to peace: peace in our personal lives, peace in our communities, peace in the world.  It is a time of hope: hope for a new beginning, hope for a better way of life, hope for a brighter future.    ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=64</link>
		<pubDate>2010-12-24</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Christmas Message from the Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham, Prime Minister, 2010]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[I extend best wishes to Bahamians everywhere and to all those visiting with us at this time of year a very Merry Christmas.   Christmas is the happiest of religious celebrations in our country marked by family gathering, religious services and Junkanoo.  This year Christmas comes as The Bahamas is about to experience the beginnings of an economic turn around; a true gift for many Bahamian families facing job losses and reduced incomes during the past two years of global and domestic recession.   ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=65</link>
		<pubDate>2010-12-24</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Junkanoo Tickets Available On-Line]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Nothing is more indigenous and unique to Bahamian culture than Junkanoo. It is a music and dance form that originated in The Bahamas during the days of slavery. A festive parade complete with colourful costumes, goatskin drums, clanging cowbells, whistles and horns, it has remained remarkably unchanged over the years. The parade progresses in a low, rhythmic dance called 'rushing'. Traditionally, the festival is held in the early hours of Boxing Day (26 December) and on New Year's Day, winding up at sunrise. The paraders 'rush' in organised groups and are judged on costume theme and performance in a keen competition which captures the spirit of all Bahamians at this very special time of the year.

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=62</link>
		<pubDate>2010-11-22</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Governor-General Departs the United Kingdom]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On Sunday, 14 November 2010, Their Excellencies the Governor-General and Lady Foulkes departed London to return to The Bahamas.    Sir Arthur and Lady Foulkes had a very busy two week stay in the United Kingdom.  Having arrived on 30 October, they attended the 11am Service at the Grosvenor Chapel  in London on 31 October 2010, along with High Commissioner Mr. Paul Farquharson and Mrs Sharon Farquharson, and a group of Bahamian students.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=61</link>
		<pubDate>2010-11-15</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Governor-General in London]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes GCMG and Lady Foulkes, along with High Commissioner Mr. Paul Farquharson and Mrs Sharon Farquharson, attended the 11am Service at the Grosvenor Chapel in London Sunday morning with a group of Bahamian students. The Governor-General is in London to attend an Investiture Ceremony at Buckingham Palace on 3 November 2010.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=59</link>
		<pubDate>2010-10-31</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Attorney General Meets with Bahamian Law Students in the United Kingdom]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Senator the Honourable John Delaney, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, met with Bahamian law students currently studying in the United Kingdom on Friday 22 October 2010 at Bahamas House.  The Attorney General spoke with the students about the advances taking place within the Ministry and legal system in The Bahamas and encouraged them to return home after their studies to practice law in a number of specialised areas.  ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=58</link>
		<pubDate>2010-10-22</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamian Artists Participate in the Liverpool Biennial 2010]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[CARIBBEAN PAVILION: THE BAHAMAS, BARBADOS, MARTINIQUE
Curated by David A. Bailey

"How are we to write the histories of non-western societies in relation to modernity?"  In his groundbreaking essay "Modernity and Its Others: Three 'Moments' In The Post-war History of the Black Diaspora Arts",  Stuart Hall re-visits modernity through three historical art movements (the 'last colonials', the 'post-colonials' and the contemporary) from the perspective of the Diaspora. 

This discourse was used as the basis of the invitation to 11 artists of three Caribbean countries; the Bahamas, Martinique and Barbados to come to Liverpool and make new work under the City States theme.

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=57</link>
		<pubDate>2010-09-28</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamas Moves to Join the World Trade Organisation (WTO)]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Bahamas has moved in earnest to become a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).  The first working party meeting for its accession took place on Tuesday, 14 September 2010 in Geneva at the WTO headquarters.   The Bahamas' team was led by Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Zhivargo Laing, with distinguished chartered accountant Raymond Winder as the chief negotiator. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=56</link>
		<pubDate>2010-09-15</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The Bahamas Signs the Second Revision of the Cotonou Agreement ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Bahamas Embassy to the European Union is pleased to announce that on 9 August 2010, His Excellency Mr. Paul H. Farquharson, QPM, Ambassador of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the European Union, signed the Agreement amending the Cotonou Agreement for the second time.  The ceremony took place at the Council of the European Union in Brussels, Belgium.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=53</link>
		<pubDate>2010-09-01</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamian Athletes Participate in the Aviva London Grand Prix, 13-14 August 2010 ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Enjoy two thrilling days of world-class athletics at the Aviva London Grand Prix as the world's top athletics stars jet into Crystal Palace, South London.

Part of the new and prestigious Samsung Diamond League, the Aviva London Grand Prix is one in a series of the top 14 grand prix meets from around the world.  Expect to see fierce competition as the sports big names clash on the track and field.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=52</link>
		<pubDate>2010-08-04</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Small States Biennial Conference, Marlborough House, Commonwealth Secretariat, 28 to 29 July 2010, London ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Minister of State for Finance the Hon. Zhivargo Laing  attended the Commonwealth Secretariat's First Global Small States Conference in London and chaired the closing session on the afternoon of Thursday 29 July.   The biennial conference was held in response to mandates emanating out of the 2009 Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting and the 2009 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which called for the promotion of sustainable development and the encouragement of new public-private sector partnerships.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=50</link>
		<pubDate>2010-07-30</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamian Cadets Graduate from Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, United Kingdom]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[H.E. Paul Farquharson, High Commissioner, attended the Passing Out Parade at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth on Thursday 29 July 2010.  ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=51</link>
		<pubDate>2010-07-30</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Third Meeting of the Peer Review Group of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, 20 -  22 July 2010, Nassau, Bahamas]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Bahamas hosted the Third Meeting of the Peer Review Group of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, from Tuesday, 20 July  to Thursday, 22 July 2010 at the Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino.  The Peer Review Group (PRG) was established by the Global Forum in September 2009, as a technical working group consisting of representatives of 30 countries, including The Bahamas.

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=49</link>
		<pubDate>2010-07-23</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[World Trade Organisation (WTO) Officials Visit The Bahamas]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[As a part of the Government's commitment to join the World Trade Organisation, the Ministry of Finance hosted a delegation from the World Trade Organisation from 19 - 20 July 2010.  The purpose of the visit was to meet with members of the government and private sector stakeholders to discuss the importance of WTO membership for The Bahamas.    During their visit the delegation met with the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce.  ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=48</link>
		<pubDate>2010-07-22</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamian Elected to Chair IMO Sub-Committee ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Captain Dwain Hutchinson, Deputy Director of the Bahamas Maritime Authority, has been elected Chairman of the International Maritime Organisation's Flag State Implementation (FSI) Committee. The appointment of Mr. Hutchinson was a departure from what was the IMO's normal practice as from inception of FSI at IMO,  this committee has never been chaired by a person from any of the major flag states. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=47</link>
		<pubDate>2010-07-15</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[37th Anniversary of the Independence of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On Saturday, 10 July 2010, Bahamians everywhere will observe the 37th anniversary of the Independence of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.  In London, staff of the Bahamas High Commission, Bahamas Tourist Office and the Bahamas Maritime Authority, along with Bahamian nationals and Friends, attended  Choral Evensong at Westminster Abbey on Thursday, 8th July 2010, at 5pm.  The Dean of the Abbey had invited High Commissioner Farquharson to read the second lesson.  ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=46</link>
		<pubDate>2010-07-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Prime Minister Ingraham Attends a Bahamian Breakfast in London]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Rt. Hon Hubert A. Ingraham, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, was hosted to a Bahamian breakfast at the Residence of the High Commissioner,  H.E. Paul Farquharson, and Mrs. Sharon Farquharson on Wednesday, 30 June.  The Prime Minister, who was on his return from an official visit to South Africa,  was accompanied by the Hon. O.A.T. Tommy Turnquest, Minister of National Security, and the Hon. Charles Maynard, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture.  
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=45</link>
		<pubDate>2010-06-30</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Governor-General Applauds Bahamian  Performers Going to UK in July ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Nassau, The Bahamas - Governor-General His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes said, on June 25, 2010, that culture is indeed about "what and who we are" and should be valued as an integral part of society.  "Some of us have been saying for many years that sun, sand and sea - those things are great; but what the world is looking for today is a cultural experience," Sir Arthur said.  "Some of us have been conscious of that for many, many years."  The Governor-General was speaking during a courtesy call from some of the members of a delegation of Bahamian musicians, performers, Junkanoo and visual artists, who will be showcasing the country's talent, throughout July, in various cities in the United Kingdom. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=44</link>
		<pubDate>2010-06-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Demonstration of the new Electronic Visas and Biometric Passport Systems in The Bahamas High Commission in London]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On a transit stop enroute to South Africa, the Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, was provided with a demonstration of the new electronic visas and biometric passports systems in place at The Bahamas High Commission in London.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Hon. O.A.T. Tommy Turnquest, Minister of National Security, and the Hon. Charles Maynard, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, and witnessed first-hand the issuance of an electronic visa to a foreign national travelling to The Bahamas for vacation and the enrolment of Bahamian nationals currently employed at The Bahamas Maritime Authority in London for their new biometric passports.  
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=43</link>
		<pubDate>2010-06-21</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Global Caribbean Art Show, Sete, France, 12 June - 17 October 2010.]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The High Commission congratulates Bahamian artists Kendra Frorup and Blue Curry for their participation in the Global Caribbean Art Show, which is currently underway at the Musee International des Arts Modestes in Sete, France. The exhibit is a major project launched by Caraibes en Creation, a new program of Culturesfrance, the French Government agency for international cultural exchanges. The exhibit showcases contemporary artists from the Caribbean.

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=42</link>
		<pubDate>2010-06-14</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Prime Minister Delivers 2010/2011 Budget Communication]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Nassau, Bahamas - The Bahamas Government expects to increase revenue to 19.7% or $1,492 million in this fiscal year due to new measures taken to enhance its revenue administration and collection processes, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Rt. Hon Hubert Ingraham said Wednesday during his presentation of the Government's 2010/2011 Budget Communication to the House of Assembly.  In order to assist  with overriding debt, the Government has announced that it is also exercising "restraint" in expenditure.


]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=41</link>
		<pubDate>2010-05-27</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Deputy Prime Minister Attends the Sixth Summit of EU-LAC Heads of State and Government]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 18 May 2010, the Honourable Brent Symonette, M.P., Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, represented The Bahamas at the Sixth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean, which was held in Madrid under the auspices of the Spanish Presidency of the European Union.  Prior to the Summit, he represented The Bahamas at the EU-CARIFORUM Summit, the EU-LAC Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, and the First Meeting of the Joint EU-CARIFORUM Council under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), all of which took place on 17 May 2010 in Madrid, Spain.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=40</link>
		<pubDate>2010-05-19</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Condolences on the Passing of Lady Edith Turnquest]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Statement by the Right Honourable Hubert A. Ingraham, M.P., Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, on the Death of Lady Edith Turnquest,
House of Assembly, Nassau, Bahamas, 12 May 2010

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=39</link>
		<pubDate>2010-05-13</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Search for New President of the College of The Bahamas]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The College of The Bahamas has launched a search for a new president. Current President Janyne Hodder announced her resignation last December and in January 2010, the College initiated its search process. The College has now entered the recruitment phase and has begun advertising in the media. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=38</link>
		<pubDate>2010-05-11</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[His Excellency Paul Farquharson and Mrs. Farquharson were pleased to take part in this year's celebration of the genius of William Shakespeare.  For nearly a hundred years it has been the proud tradition of the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations Committee to invite Heads of Missions to represent their countries at the annual event in Stratford-upon Avon.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=37</link>
		<pubDate>2010-04-26</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamas-EU "Short Stay Visa Waiver" - REMINDER]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 28 May 2009, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the European Union signed a "Short Stay Visa Waiver Agreement". The Agreement was provisionally applied since 28 May 2009 and came into full force on 1 April 2010.  Therefore, since 28 May 2009 holders of valid Bahamian passports have been able to travel without a visa for short stays of up to three months to the following European Union countries which apply the Schengen agreement: ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=36</link>
		<pubDate>2010-04-15</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Sir Arthur Foulkes Sworn in as the Eighth Governor-General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[NASSAU, Bahamas -- Sir Arthur Foulkes was sworn in as the eighth Governor-General in an Independent Bahamas during ceremonies at Government House Wednesday morning.

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=34</link>
		<pubDate>2010-04-14</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The UK premier of the Bahamian film "RAIN"]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The UK premier of the Bahamian film "Rain"was shown on the closing night of the 6th Annual Images of Black Women Film Festival, which celebrates and promotes women of African Descent in cinema, both on screen and behind the camera.   The screening took place on Sunday 11 April 2010 from 17:50 to 19:45 at the Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 7JR.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=30</link>
		<pubDate>2010-04-12</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The Bahamas and Germany sign Tax Information Exchange Agreement]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The Commonwealth of The Bahamas signed an Agreement with the Federal Republic of Germany on Assistance in Civil and Criminal Tax Matters through Exchange of Information, on Friday, April 9, 2010.  The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where Deputy Prime Minister and Minster of Foreign Affairs the Hon Brent Symonette signed for The Bahamas and His Excellency Juergen Engel, Ambassador of Germany signed for that country.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=33</link>
		<pubDate>2010-04-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Visit of the Govervor General to London]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[It was announced from Government House on 28 March 2010 that His Excellency The Honourable Arthur D. Hanna desires to demit office as Governor-General of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, a position to which he was appointed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 1st February 2006. A  formal request has been made to Her Majesty for His Excellency to demit office on 14th April, 2010.  His Excellency has also requested an early farewell audience with The Queen at Buckingham Palace.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=32</link>
		<pubDate>2010-03-31</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The Bahamas and Spain sign Tax Information Exchange Agreement]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Bahamas and the Kingdom of Spain signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement during a ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Thursday, March 11, 2010.  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon Brent Symonette signed on behalf of The Bahamas, and His Excellency Jesus Silva, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain signed for that country.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=31</link>
		<pubDate>2010-03-16</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Visit of the Director-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to London]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ambassador Joshua Sears, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,  is presently visting London to attend the Commonwealth Mid-Term Review of the Universal Periodic Review Process, in London from 11 to 12 March 2010.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=28</link>
		<pubDate>2010-03-11</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamas Meets Internationally Agreed Tax Standards]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Today, in Paris, the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas signed seven Tax Information Exchange Agreements respectively with the Governments of the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden, the Republic of Finland, the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The signing of these seven (7) bilateral agreements is the
culmination of a successful round of multilateral negotiations between the seven Nordic countries and The Bahamas, which were concluded in December last year.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=29</link>
		<pubDate>2010-03-10</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Prime Minister Ingraham Delivers the 2009/2010 Mid-Year Budget Statement]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Right Honourable Hubert A. Ingraham, presented the Mid-Year Budget Statement for the six-month period ending December 31, 2009, in the House of Assembly on 24 February 2010.  ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=27</link>
		<pubDate>2010-02-24</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamas Signs 11th Tax Information Exchange Agreement]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Government of the United Mexican States and the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas have signed an Agreement for the Exchange of Information Relating to Tax Matters. The Agreement was signed on behalf of the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas by the Hon T. Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foriegn Affairs.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=26</link>
		<pubDate>2010-02-23</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Prime Minister Ingraham Addresses the Nation]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham delivered a comprehensive New Year's Address to the Nation Thursday night, highlighting projects and prospects for 2010, infrastructural and touristic developments, and advances in the fight against crime, the availability of health care and the strengthening of the country's educational system.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=25</link>
		<pubDate>2010-02-05</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Haiti Emergency Assistance and Reconstruction Fund]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Government of The Bahamas is actively monitoring developments in Haiti, and has established a Special Haiti Emergency Assistance Fund with a view to providing an organized and safe way for members of the Bahamian community to contribute towards emergency assistance and restoration efforts in Haiti.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=24</link>
		<pubDate>2010-02-04</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Vacancies for Teachers - Ministry of Education]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Applications are invited from qualified and experienced teachers to teach the following subject(s) in the High Schools of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas beginning 23rd August 2010:  Mathematics, and Language Arts.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=23</link>
		<pubDate>2010-01-27</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Defence Force Commodore named as special envoy to Haiti]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Nassau, Bahamas -- Defence Force Commodore Clifford Scavella has been named as Prime Minister the Rt Hon Hubert Ingraham's special envoy to Haiti. The Prime Minister made this announcement at a Press Conference called by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Sunday, January 17.  Commodore Scavella retires as head of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Thursday, January 21.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=22</link>
		<pubDate>2010-01-18</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamas Government Launches "Haiti Emergency Assistance & Reconstruction Fund"]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Government today announced that a Special Haiti Emergency Assistance Fund is being established with a view to providing an organized and safe way for members of the Bahamian community to contribute towards emergency assistance and restoration efforts in Haiti following the devastating earthquake in that country on Tuesday.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=21</link>
		<pubDate>2010-01-14</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Earthquake in Haiti - Press Release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nassau]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to assure the public that the Government is actively monitoring developments in Haiti following the massive earthquake which struck on 12 January, 2010.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=19</link>
		<pubDate>2010-01-13</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamas Mobilized in Haiti Earthquake Aftermath ]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been mobilized as The Bahamas braces for an influx of immigrants fleeing Tuesday's 7.0 earthquake in Haiti.  "Rest assured that the Government of The Bahamas will do whatever is necessary, whatever is possible to assist," stated Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon T Brent Symonette.  And, a hold has been placed on the repatriation of Haitians who have entered The Bahamas illegally, Director of Immigration Jack Thompson confirmed.  Mr Symonette and a high level Government team addressed their departments' response to the Haitian earthquake aftermath during a press conference Wednesday. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=20</link>
		<pubDate>2010-01-13</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[End of Year Message from His Excellency Mr. Paul H. Farquharson, QPM, High Commissioner]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Dear Friends, the year 2009 is drawing to a close, and as usual I would like to take a few moments to review the achievements of the past year and reflect on the challenges that would greet us in the New Year. The High Commission has been working extremely hard to advance the interests of The Bahamas and the Bahamian people over the past year and I would wish to share with you a few highlights of some of our most notable achievements.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=17</link>
		<pubDate>2009-12-31</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Christmas Messages from the Governor General and the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The full text of the Christmas Messages of His Excellency Mr. Arthur D. Hanna, Governor General, and the Right Honourable Hubert A. Ingraham, M.P., Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, may be downloaded here.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=18</link>
		<pubDate>2009-12-25</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Calls for Greater Cooperation from Diplomatic Corps]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[NASSAU, Bahamas -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon Brent Symonette has called for a greater involvement by members of the Diplomatic and the Honorary Consular Corps in the further development of The Bahamas. Mr Symonette was addressing the Honorary Consular Corps Annual Christmas Luncheon at the Lyford Cay Club, Thursday, December 17, 2009.  The Deputy Prime Minister used the opportunity to give an overview of the year in foreign relations and outline plans for 2010.

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=16</link>
		<pubDate>2009-12-17</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Prime Minister Ingraham Attends High Level Meeting on Climate Change in Copenhagen, Denmark]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[NASSAU, Bahamas - Prime Minister the Rt Hon Hubert Ingraham left the country Monday, December 14, to present The Bahamas' position on climate change and related matters at the United Nations' 15th Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.  He will join fellow leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Commonwealth who met recently in Trinidad and Tobago to forge a consensus on one of the more "complex and pressing issues" he has dealt with during his three non-consecutive terms in office.
]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=15</link>
		<pubDate>2009-12-16</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The Bahamas Concludes Tax Information Exchange Agreements with the Netherlands, Belgium and France]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[While during a recent visit to Europe, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. T. Brent Symonette signed The Bahamas' Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) with The Netherlands on Friday, December 4, 2009 in The Hague, Netherlands. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=13</link>
		<pubDate>2009-12-07</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Prime Minister Ingraham Heads a Delegation to CHOGM 2009, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Rt Hon Hubert A. Ingraham, M.P., Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, headed a delegation to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, from 27 to 29 November 2009.  The delegation included the Hon T. Brent Symonette, M.P.,Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Hon Earl Deveaux, M.P, Minister of the Environment.

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=14</link>
		<pubDate>2009-11-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamas Re-Elected to the Council of the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) under Category "C"]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 27 November 2009 the Commonwealth of The Bahamas was re-elected to the Council of the United Nations International Maritime Organization under Category "C" during the 26th Session of the General Assembly of the IMO in London. The Bahamas currently maintains the world's third largest ship registry, behind Panama and Liberia respectively, with a gross tonnage of 52.8 million as of 30 September 2009.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=12</link>
		<pubDate>2009-11-27</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[The Bahamas Signs Tax  Information Exchange Agreement with the United Kingdom]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[NASSAU, Bahamas -- The Bahamas and the United Kingdom signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) at the Ministry of Finance, Nassau on Thursday, 29 October 2009.  The signing of this TIEA is another step towards the Government of The Bahamas fulfilling its commitment to the evolved international standards of transparency and information exchange, according to Minister of State for Finance the Hon Zhivago Laing.  The TIEA represents the fourth completed by the Government and the second concluded with a major OECD country.  

]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=10</link>
		<pubDate>2009-10-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[His Excellency Mr. Paul H. Farquharson QPM Present his Letters of Credence as non-resident Ambassador of The Bahamas to Germany]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 29 October 2009, His Excellency Mr. Paul H. Farquharson QPM presented his Credentials as the Bahamas' non-resident Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany.  The ceremony took place at Bellevue Castle in Berlin, Germany.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=11</link>
		<pubDate>2009-10-29</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Prime Minister Ingraham's Visit to London]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 9 October 2009 the High Commissioner and Mrs. Farquharson hosted a reception at Bahamas House for Bahamian students on the occasion of the visit of the Right Honourable Hubert A. Ingraham, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Mrs. Ingraham.  







]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=6</link>
		<pubDate>2009-10-09</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Dr. Davidson L. Hepburn, elected to the Post of President of the 35th General Conference of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 6 October, 2009, Paris, France]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[Dr. Davidson L. Hepburn was confirmed to the Post of President of the 35th General Conference of UNESCO during the opening of the 35th General Conference of UNESCO on 6 October 2009 in Paris.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=8</link>
		<pubDate>2009-10-06</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[Bahamas High Commission Celebrates 36 Years of Bahamian Independence]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 10 July 2009, the Bahamas High Commission in London hosted members of the London Diplomatic Corps, Bahamian Nationals and Friends of The Bahamas on the occasion of the 36th Anniversary of Independence of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=1</link>
		<pubDate>2009-07-10</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA[H.E. Paul H. Farquharson QPM present his Letters of Credence as non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of France]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Embassy of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is pleased to announce that on Thursday 2nd July 2009, His Excellency Paul H. Farquharson, presented his formal Letters of Credence to His Excellency Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the French Republic, accrediting him as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the French Republic, with residence at London.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=2</link>
		<pubDate>2009-07-02</pubDate>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title><![CDATA['Short-Stay Visa Waiver Agreement' between The Bahamas and the European Community, signed on 28 May 2009]]></title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce that today, 28 May 2009, at a Ceremony at the Council of the European Union in Brussels, Belgium, H.E. Mr. Paul H. Farquharson, Ambassador of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the European Communities (based in London), signed the "Short Stay Visa Waiver Agreement" between The Bahamas and the European Community.  The Agreement would be provisionally applied as of 28 May 2009, and so with immediate effect, holders of valid Bahamian passports will be able to travel without a visa for short stays of up to three months to the following European Union countries which apply the Schengen agreement:]]></description>
		<link>http://www.bahamashclondon.net/news-detail.php?news=3</link>
		<pubDate>2009-05-28</pubDate>
	</item>
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