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Bahamas

Eastern Daylight Time Zone UTC-04:00

 Capital City Nassau

 Currency Bahamian dollar BSD

National Day  July 10

His Excellency Mr Ellison Edroy Greenslade
High Commissioner
High Commission of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas
10 Chesterfield Street
London W1J 5JL
T: 020 7408 4488
F: 020 7499 9937
E: information@bahamashclondon.net

Biography:

AS A YOUNG police officer, the Bahamas’ new High Commissioner Mr Ellison Edroy Greenslade recalls his country hosting CHOGM back in 1985. “As a proud nation of just 400,000, I remember with delight the attention the world focused on our country. Our government is excited for the forthcoming CHOGM in London, and we have a delegation arriving led by our Prime Minister. The Commonwealth is an amazing network to be involved in.”

Mr Greenslade and his wife Kimberly, a Senior Manager of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, arrived in London last November.  He admits that although they had some concerns about leaving the Bahamas just before the holiday period, they have “settled right in and everyone has helped make [them] feel part of the fabric of the community.” Since their arrival, they have observed “the power of experiential learning that you acquire in a city like London. Interactions and observations are far more powerful than simply reading about the city in a book. Every day is a learning experience.”

Speaking of books, Mr Greenslade says that his personal audience with Her Majesty “was like a fairy tale coming true.  I come from humble beginnings, and so never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that this would happen in my lifetime!” he exclaims. “Her Majesty, The Queen, was caring, respectful and polite. What a wonderful moment. As Head of the Commonwealth, we are proud of Her Majesty and the wonderful work she does.”

After joining the Royal Bahamas Police Force at the age of 18, Mr Greenslade’s distinguished career as a police officer spanned 38 years. “I believe that law enforcement offers a university of life; it presented me with a myriad of challenges from all walks of life.” With just a year in the police service, he found a mentor in former Bahamas High Commissioner to the UK, Paul Farquharson, who as his Station Sergeant saw potential in the young police officer.  Mr Greenslade recalls: “It was a big division and he made sure I didn’t get lost. My career took off, thanks to Paul Farquharson.”

Mr Greenslade rose to become Commissioner of Police in January 2010. In this role for eight years, he worked by the mantra: ‘Care, Respect and Trust,’ which he promoted within the force, and the community at large. “Of course, this had a lot to do with relationships. When you get people to connect hearts and head, there’s a wonderful bit of synergy that develops, and something really positive comes out of it.” He continues to apply this attitude into his work in the diplomatic service. “Diplomacy starts with relationships. There must be trust and so we must get to know each other.”

Mr Greenslade admits that “the diplomatic arena is totally new, and not something [he] anticipated.” But he believes his police background stands him well for the current job. “Ultimately, I’ve always had the full understanding that I am a servant of the people. My whole career has been about service. I must contribute to making the Bahamas a better place.”

So, what are his key plans and priorities as High Commissioner in the UK? Mr Greenslade explains: “I’m here on assignment on behalf of the government of the Bahamas, which involves deepening the existing relationship between the Bahamas and Her Majesty’s government to come to a better understanding of how we can all support each other.” He continues: “The diaspora is important. We’d like them to help divert some attention and some foreign investment back to the Bahamas.” Along with spreading Bahamian culture to the wider world, his plans include building capacity in education, “so that our people are more knowledgeable and have the best chance of learning and applying themselves.”

The High Commissioner explains that not unlike other countries, the Bahamas has challenges like illegal immigration and transnational organised crime. But he also speaks of his country’s “vibrant democracy with wonderful people. We don’t seem to be at odds with any other country, and I’m proud of that. We are a peaceful, fun-loving nation and we are trying to do the best that we can in our small space.” He explains that the main work of the Bahamas on the international stage is “marketing the country’s vibrant tourism industry to the rest of the world. We sell the Bahamas’ warmth, enthusiasm and love, along with the beautiful geography that God has blessed us with, and we hope that you will come and visit us.”

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