NASSAU, The Bahamas - Immigration issues, geographical make-up and Eleuthera ancestral legacy are the ties that bind The Bahamas and Ireland in diplomatic relations, as the country welcomed the first Irish Ambassador on Thursday, January 24, 2008.

Governor-General His Excellency Arthur Hanna accepted Credentials presented by His Excellency Declan Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland, during a ceremony at Government House.

“The Bahamas and Ireland share much in common. Geographically, we are both islands, politically, we are both constitutional democracies. Economically, we have overcome significant challenges, internally and externally. Yet, through decisiveness and focus, achieved comparative, above-average economic growth,” the Governor-General said.

Socially, he said, both countries are very religious and have been affected both positively and negatively by the forces of immigration. And historically, The Bahamas can lay claim to the legacy of the developmental impact of the Irish Diaspora and ancestry, he added.

“The name ‘Kelly’ is certainly a notable one, especially in business in our Bahamas,” the Governor-General said.

He explained that Kelly’s Lumber Yard, established in 1916, used its success to grant mortgages to homebuilders, before the banks began their lending practices. Also, Charles Trevor Kelly was elected to serve as the Member of Parliament for Eleuthera in 1956; he also served as Minister of Maritime Affairs.

It was during his tenure that the first Paradise Island bridge was built, the Nassau Harbour developed and Arawak Cay, formerly known as “Kelly Island” was constructed, the Governor-General said.

“Both our countries are also active in international affairs, regionally and multilaterally,” he said. “The Bahamas acknowledges and applauds Ireland’s generous contributions, to priorities of developing countries in multilateral fora, such as the European Union (EU), World Trade Organisation, and the United Nations where you have indicated your government is committed to achieving the Official Development Assistance Target.”

According to the Governor-General, this generosity extends to the sub-region in the area of disaster mitigation.

He also congratulated Ireland on the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland, adding “it is our wish that continued dialogue between your government and that of the United Kingdom result in a brighter future for the people of Northern Ireland.”

Ambassador Kelly said he was honoured to have been the first Ambassador of Ireland accredited to The Bahamas, and looked forward to building friendly relations between both countries.

He too addressed the similarities between both countries, which are located on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

“We are both islands, but without a doubt The Bahamas wins the prize when it comes to climate. Your beautiful island nation always conjures up the warmest vistas for Irish people, especially during our cold and damp winters,” Ambassador Kelly said.

Ireland has a population of just over four million people. Until 15 years ago, emigration was a major element of its economic circumstances. There are large Diasporas in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and the UK.

In the early 17^th Century, the Irish began to arrive in the Caribbean. Some of the earliest references to Irish in The Bahamas relate to Eleuthera in 1648; among the settlers a family named “Kelly”. Evidence of Irish settlements in St. Kitts, Barbados, Nevis, Antigua and Montserrat. In 1666, the white population of Barbados was 20 per cent Irish.

“The era of non-voluntary emigration has ended in Ireland,” Ambassador Kelly said. “The last two decades have witnessed an extraordinary transformation in our economic fortunes.”

Ireland boasts of virtually full employment and a GDP per capita of 16 per cent, above the EU average. Ireland is also a major location for investment in IT, pharmaceuticals and Financial Services. In 1973, Ireland began a dedicated aid programme, which by next year will reach 0.54 percent of GDP. Its aim is to meet the UN target of 0.7 percent by 2012.

In December 2007, Ireland pledged to contribute $2.5 million to the Caribbean Risk Insurance Facility.

On Tuesday, January 15, Governor General Arthur Hanna also welcomed the first Ambassador of the Czech Republic to The Bahamas, His Excellency Vit Korselt.

His Excellency Declan Kelly, Ambassador Designate of Ireland, paid a
courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign
Affairs, the Hon Brent Symonette at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
on Wednesday, January 23, 2008. Mr. Symonette conveyed The Bahamas'
interests in alternative forms of energy, as Ireland is noted for its
wind farms and solar energy plants. He also noted that a number of
Irish investors were interested in developing bonefishing lodges in
the country, particularly in Abaco. Mr. Kelly said The Bahamas
is "extraordinarily successful" in the Caribbean region, where
Ireland is gradually expanding its foreign services. (BIS Photo/Tim Aylen)