HR0409 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0409 LRB098 12266 MST 46437 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, as one of the oldest democracies in the hemisphere, has been a beacon of peaceful parliamentary democracy for 284 years; and

WHEREAS, On January 10, 1967, the people of The Bahamas attained true universal, adult suffrage through majority rule; and

WHEREAS, On July 10, 1973, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas declared itself as an independent and sovereign nation; and

WHEREAS, During its 40 years of independence, The Bahamas has been a close friend of the people of the United States, both countries sharing a strong advocacy of democracy, the rule of law, and the merits of an open, equitable market economy; and

WHEREAS, During these 40 years of independence, the government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas has made important contributions to international efforts to promote peace, regional development, and solve the crisis of climate change; and

WHEREAS, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is well known for its unrivaled sun and surf, however the commonwealth is best known for its financial services, wealth management, and tourism; and

WHEREAS, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the State of Illinois have recently committed to enhanced bilateral cooperation and a deepening of social and trade relations as a result of the visit to Illinois by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Honourable Frederick Mitchell, on April 16th, 2013; and

WHEREAS, The government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas has nominated an Illinoisan with Bahamian roots, Michael C. Fountain, to the post of Honorary Consul to facilitate the matters of trade and commercial opportunities which exist and can be expanded; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the people and the government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas as the country celebrates 40 years of independence on July 10, 2013; and be it further

RESOLVED, We commend the people of The Bahamas on the significant social and economic progress made in the last 40 years and their legacy of stable, good governance and peaceful democracy; and be it further

RESOLVED, We note the significant recent diplomatic engagement between the State of Illinois and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; and be it further

RESOLVED, We reaffirm the commitment to enhanced bilateral cooperation and deeper social and trade relations with the government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the people of The Bahamas as an expression of our esteem and respect.