NASSAU, Bahamas -- Bahamian professionals from a wide cross section of the community gathered on Wednesday April 18 in a networking reception hosted by the U.S. Embassy to celebrate their participation in U.S. government sponsored academic and professional exchange programs.  Since 1973, more than 200 Bahamians have had the opportunity to take part in exchange programs through the U.S. Embassy, such as Fulbright and Humphrey, the International Visitor Leadership Program, Summer Institutes, and others.

During a brief ceremony, United States Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman presented Ms. Christine Campbell with a special plaque recognizing her as the U.S. State Department Alumni of the Month for April, for her leadership and commitment to public service.   Throughout her career, Ms. Campbell has been a central force in the prevention of drug abuse, teen pregnancy, and HIV/AIDS.  Today, in her capacity as the Ministry of Labor and Social Development’s officer-in-charge of the Bureau of Women’s Affairs, Ms. Campbell has brought a renewed public focus to the issues impacting women throughout The Bahamas.

In his remarks Mr. Dinkelman noted that the exchanges are truly bilateral in broadening cultural, educational, political and economic contacts between The Bahamas and the United States.  Mr. Dinkelman also announced a new grant opportunity funding to be awarded to State Alumni-affiliated community based organizations that are directly engaging at-risk youth.

Photo: United States Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman presents Ms. Christine Campbell with a special plaque recognizing her as the U.S. State Department Alumni of the Month for April, for her leadership and commitment to public service.