Senator Barry Griffin spoke to the merits of expanding the global presence of The Bahamas while contributing to debate on the Foreign Service Bills on Monday.

Griffin told senators the government is engaged in appointing more than 22 new honourary consuls around the world. He said, “even where we may not have a consulate or embassy this government is ensuring that Bahamian interests are looked after across the globe and that Bahamians have a resource and contact should they need assistance anywhere in the world.”

According to Senator Griffin the government intends to open offices in locations such as Jamaica, Trinidad and the United Arab Emirates. “As we look to increase business opportunities for Bahamians and inward investment to our country these strategic moves will undoubtedly open countless opportunities for Bahamians.”

He added, “we have a substantial student population in Jamaica who will be able to better access Bahamian resources. Jamaica and Trinidad are also right markets for export of Bahamian products as well as import of products that provide variety and lower cost options of things from poultry, cleaning products, fruits, snack foods, motor oil and the list continues.”

The Foreign Services Bill was passed in the senate. Griffin hopes that linkages between trade, investment and diplomacy can assist in the development of the economy.