News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Thurs. Aug. 23, 2012: The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States, OAS, on Weds. Aug. 22, 2012, paid tribute to the Ambassador of The Bahamas Cornelius Smith, who finished his duties as a representative of his country after many years of service to the hemispheric organization.
Several representatives of the Western Hemisphere countries took the floor to honor the Caribbean representative. The OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, expressed his appreciation for the contribution made by Ambassador Smith in these five years, for his wisdom, his patience and his vast experience in diplomatic work. During the meeting, the Ambassador of Dominica spoke on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Ambassador of Uruguay on behalf of the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), and the delegation of Nicaragua on behalf of the Central American Integration System (SICA). They all highlighted the political and diplomatic skills of Ambassador Smith, who ends his time at head of the Mission of The Bahamas. The representatives of the United States, Venezuela, Canada, Paraguay, Belize, Grenada and Haiti, among others joined in paying tribute to Ambassador Smith. After the meeting, the members of the Council gave a standing ovation to Ambassador Smith.
