Foreign Affairs Ministers Weigh In On New U.S. Ambassador

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell kept his remarks brief following the arrival of U.S. Ambassador-Designate Herschel Walker on Wednesday, saying only that relations between The Bahamas and the United States “are good” and declining to comment further when pressed on what he expects from the new ambassador.

But former Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield offered a far more expansive view. Henfield, who served under the Free National Movement, called Walker’s arrival a positive step forward after more than a decade without a confirmed U.S. ambassador in Nassau. He praised the American diplomats who maintained the relationship during the extended vacancy and said he is hopeful Walker will find The Bahamas to be “the Isle of June,” echoing a famous reference by George Washington.

Henfield also outlined several priorities he hopes Walker will advance, including strengthened security cooperation, continued support for OPBAT, and reinforced ties with AUTEC in South Andros. He said deeper economic collaboration and increased U.S. foreign direct investment should also be key objectives.

With Walker now beginning his transition into the diplomatic post, The Bahamas enters a new chapter in its engagement with its closest neighbor.