International

Institute Named After Foreign Service Officer 6 Years After His Death

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The institute training future Bahamian foreign service officers was officially named the Bahamas Alraé Ramsey Institute Of Foreign Affairs last night.

Published

11 months ago

January 31, 2025

Marlena Leonard

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Aliah Ramsey, “This is a bittersweet moment for us. We are so proud of Alrae, and all that he’s accomplished. His love for foreign service and his commitment to the Bahamas. And we wish he was here to see this, but we’re so proud of him.”

The institute training future Bahamian foreign service officers was officially named the Bahamas Alraé Ramsey Institute Of Foreign Affairs last night.

Ramsey and Dr. Blair John, who was a student at Saint Mary’s University, were pulled from the River Po in Turin, Italy, on June 4th and 5th, 2019, after the men had been missing for several days.

An Autopsy said their deaths were likely the result of accidental drowning, but the circumstances reported by Italian authorities have been criticized.

Prime Minister Philip Davis was one of the attendees last night.

PhilIp Davis – Prime Minister, “His passing was not just a loss to The Bahamas, it was a loss to the world of diplomacy. This institute is his legacy, and it must stand as a testament to the values that he upheld. Courage, intelligence, and an unshakeable belief in our nation’s sovereignty.”

But Foreign Affairs Minister, Fred Mitchell said there was initially some pushback at the choice.

Fred Mitchell – Minister, Foreign Affairs, “The question was asked in The House Of Assembly, why not somebody who is more mature and who has given service. And there is a role for more mature people, but I said you know I go, Alrae went to a church which is called St. Agnes. St. Agnes was a martyr I believe at the age of 14, and that tells you that you don’t have to be of advanced age to give service to your country nor be recognized by your country.”

After unveiling the Official Bahamas Alraé Ramsey Institute Of Foreign Affairs plaque, officials spoke to the newest BARIFA Cohort, the third to move on from the institute.

Aliah Ramsey – sister of late Alrae Ramsey, “I don’t think in his wildest dreams he would’ve thought that there would’ve been an institute established in his name. I think that way surpassed what he had planned for his legacy. But, Alrae, this is for you. We love you.”