WASHINGTON, D.C. — His Excellency Dr. Elliston Rahming, Bahamas Ambassador to the United Nations and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), was among those paying tribute to the late Ambassador Bernardo Alvarez, Venezuela’s Permanent Representative to the OAS during a special meeting of the OAS Permanent Council in the Simon Bolívar Hall of the OAS headquarters at 17th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., on Thursday, December 1, 2016.

“On behalf of the government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, I express profound condolences to the government and people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on the passing of H.E. Ambassador Bernardo Alvarez,” Dr. Rahming said.

He noted that Ambassador Alvarez, who died on November 24, 2016, during his tenure as Permanent Representative of Venezuela to the OAS left an “indelible mark on this organization.”

“During my term as Chair of the Permanent Council, Ambassador Alvarez Herrera was instrumental in attempting to enhance the role of the Permanent Council by being a prominent advocate for the holding of a retreat of Ambassadors to discuss Permanent Council reform,” Ambassador Rahming said.

He added, “His unrelenting passion for defending his country was deeply admired and his willingness to dialogue and achieve mutual understanding and consensus was a true testament to his character. Clearly, he was a man of indomitable spirit, superior intellect, indefatigable energy, larger than life personality and unbridled passion. One like him comes along only so often. We will miss him and I extend heartfelt condolences to his family and country. May angels go with him and may heaven smile upon him.”​

 

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His Excellency Dr. Elliston Rahming, Bahamas Ambassador to the United Nations and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), paying tribute to the late Ambassador Bernardo Alvarez, Venezuela’s Permanent Representative to the OAS. Seated behind him are Mr. Chet Neymour, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of The Bahamas, and Miss Tracee Dorestant, Second Secretary, Embassy of The Bahamas.