H.E. KEVA L. BAIN BIDS FAREWELL TO THE DIPLOMATIC COMMUNITY IN GENEVA

Good Evening,

I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank the Government of The Bahamas for the opportunity afforded me to represent the Commonwealth of The Bahamas internationally and to use the knowledge and skills acquired during my years of service within the public and private sectors. I found my tour of duty in Switzerland, to be both rewarding and humbling.

Although my term as Ambassador and Permanent Representative in Geneva, Switzerland was short, a mere two years, so much occurred during that time. We grappled with COVID, including restrictions and the impact on our daily lives, both personally and professionally. But in spite of the lockdowns and restrictions, for me, I found my time in Geneva to be rewarding, with lasting friendships made. It was indeed an honour and privilege to have been asked to serve.

The turn of events which led to me serving as President of the 73rd World Health Assembly and then receiving the support of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States to serve as one of the Vice Presidents on the Human Rights Council, in the final year of The Bahamas’ inaugural term as a member of HRC, provided unique opportunities for The Bahamas, for CARICOM, SIDS, GRULAC and other Developing countries particularly given the role of those bodies in addressing concerns of priority for us. These issues include, the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, vaccine inequality, climate change, the environment, women, youth, the elderly, accessibility for persons with disabilities, people of African Descent, among many others. The important discussions taking place in international Geneva clearly demonstrate how such cross-cutting issues can impact each other at both the national and international levels.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Government of The Bahamas for granting the necessary approvals to make the appointments possible. It was an honour and a privilege to have been asked to serve as President of the 73rd World Health Assembly and to serve as one of four Vice Presidents on the Human Rights Council during the Council’s 15th cycle. I was honoured that I had been given the opportunity to meet and work with the many professionals at the helm of the many Organizations comprising International Geneva. To the Swiss Government, thank you for your guidance and hospitality.

Then there was that group of Female Professionals comprising Ambassadors and Heads of Organizations in Geneva, making up the famous Band of Sisters, who continue to welcome and provide support to the many who join the Group and like me may eventually leave.

Finally, I would like to thank the small team at The Bahamas Permanent Mission, both the technical and locally engaged staff, for their commitment and professionalism. Since my arrival in Geneva, I was the public face of their guidance and efforts behind the scenes, as we sought to represent The Bahamas away from home and during the pandemic.

End

18 February 2022