YouSaid · the spoken record

Maynard

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS MAYNARD

lines on the record: 121
first: 1985-09-24
most recent: 1990-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“If we do not, we all become as guilty of oppression and murder as those States which back away from exercising economic pressure and political influence on South Africa. In 1985 the Commonwealth Heads of Government, meeting in Nassau, came to grips with South Africa's intransigence with regard to dismantling apartheid. Under the chairmanship of Sir Lynden Pindling, Prime Minister of the Bahamas, the Heads of Government appointed the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group on Southern Africa. For six months in 1986, in which its members travelled extensively in southern Africa, the Eminent Persons Group worked to promote a process of dialogue for change, ending apartheid and establishing a genuine non-racial democracy in South Africa. Sadly, the Government of South Africa listened, but did not hear: acknowledged, but did not act.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Another year has passed and the abhorrent apartheid regime of South Africa persists, despite increased pressure by the international community, as well as the private sector, through resolutions, calls for divestment, demonstrations, sanctions and embargoes. World public opinion has swung firmly to our side? it is clear that the Botha regime has lost the struggle in psychological terms, but there are still many obstacles to overcome. The poison of Pretoria continues to affect the neighbouring country of Namibia, which cries out for its rightful place as an independent State in the international community. It is time for us, the people, to face the effects of complicity when it comes to South Africa and Namibia.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“In addition to economic and social burdens, such as dependence on one or a few commodities, external debt and a shortage of administrative personnel, which beset other developing States, island States face not only smallness of size but remoteness and sometimes great distance from market centres, constraints in transportation, a limited internal market and general lack of natural or traditionally viable natural resources. Nevertheless, if permitted to enjoy an effective level of self-reliance as well as internal stability, small States can strengthen rather than threaten international order, peace and collective security.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“All of us have heard the wise observation give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man how to fish and you feed him for life. Small States need only understanding, patience and productive assistance. We, in the category of small States have identified goals and projects in respect of which such requirements should be met. We have some of the tools to attain our goals and fulfil our projects. What we now need is the means to improve these tools and the forbearance to let us work out our own destiny. Within the special category of small States is an even more specialized grouping of States that require particular attention and understanding on the part of the international community. This is the grouping of island developing States, to which geography has bequeathed more constraints in relation to their size than blessings.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“The African Problems defy easy solutions because of an unwillingness to join fully in the war on apartheid on the part of those countries which could do the most to effect change. I shall, however, be focusing only on those issues in respect of which my delegation feels it can offer some suggestions or practical observations which will contribute to progress in their resolution. In this vein, I should like to address first the issue of small States, especially their economic viability and security. In the final analysis the question is not whether small States are viable entities, history has already answered this question in the affirmative. The crux of the matter, in fact, is that if ambivalence continues to prevail in respect of small States they do then become burdens.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“As a result of this vote, my Government can continue to use its voice and energies for the advancement of this great world forum. My Government therefore takes this opportunity to encourage our Secretary-General, Mr. Perez de Cuellar, in his leadership role in this Organization, to implement measures that would elicit greater co-operation among States, thereby minimizing confrontation. There are perennial problems on the United Nations agenda, such as those of the world economic situation, the debt, drug trafficking and abuse, disarmament, regional conflicts and, in Africa, apartheid, political unrest, economic stagnation, drought and famine which beset much of the continent.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and on my own behalf, I extend warm congratulations to you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of this Assembly. My delegation, aware of your competence and experience in diplomacy, is confident that important agreements can be reached on many of the problems facing our Member States. I take this opportunity also to commend Foreign Minister Choudhury of Bangladesh for the skilful manner in which he conducted the business of the forty-first session of the General Assembly. On 19 June the Bahamas electorate returned my Government to an unprecedented sixth term of office. This vote has given my Government a strong mandate to continue to promote effective programmes for the economic development and political stability of the Bahamas.”
1987-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 42 (1987)
“Its objective is to maintain international peace and security and to make military conflicts obsolete by entrenching the process of dialog and negotiation as the valid means of solving differences between nations, regardless of size, political influence and military or economic strength. The challenge, then, is to demonstrate through renewed determination and commitment that the goals of universal peace and security can be achieved. The international community nay be assured that the Bahamas remains committed to the fundamental principles enshrined in the Charter. The Bahamas stands firm in its conviction that the multilateral process must be maintained and strengthened if stability, order and justice are to prevail.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The Bahamas was pleased to participate in the United Nations World Conference for the International Youth Year, held during the fortieth session of the General Assembly. The guide-lines for follow-up action to the International Youth Year are given due attention in the formulation of policies and programs of the Ministry of Youth, the National Youth Advisory Council and other relevant organizations. In closing, allow me to emphasize that the international community should not be thwarted by any conflict or tragedy which might mar the International Year of Peace. This body was organized at the close of the "war to end all wars".”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“It would therefore seem to be advantageous, especially in this International Year of Peace, for all sovereign States that express their willingness to subscribe to the Charter to be allowed membership of this Organization, universality of membership would, I submit, not only increase the opportunities for dialog, but also make a positive contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security. It augurs well for the Organization that throughout the 1380s many resolutions relating to the social issues on its agenda have been adopted by consensus. In particular, the Bahamas has followed with interest matters related to youth, as per ens under the age of 30 constitute nearly three quarters of our population.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Economic considerations and appeasement of South Africa will further delay the independence of Namibia. In this International Year of Peace it is difficult for this august body to rationalize the continued subjugation of the people of Namibia. We are confident, however, that international commitment to the decolonization process will ensure that Namibia takes its seat in this Organization at an early date. To be effective, the the broad objectives of the Charter of this Organization require the fullest measure of support from as many sovereign nations as possible. The purposes set forth in the Charter are universal in scope, and to our minds can best be achieved by an organization with a universal membership.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“A just and non-racial society in South Africa would enhance the peace and stability of the whole southern African region, for the front-line States would no longer be the victims of a strategy of destabilization, direct military incursion and economic coercion. Accordingly, the Bahamas encourages the United Nations and all its Menber States, especially those with significant economic relations with South Africa, to implement effective economic sanctions with a view to abolishing apartheid. We believe too that resolute measures ought to be taken by all States that support self-determination, democracy and human rights to persuade South Africa to implement the plan for Namibian independence adopted in the framework of Security Council resolution 435 (1978).”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“There is no need to add that the immediate release of Nelson Mandela would be essential to the process. Further, the sovereign States, neighbors of South Africa, ought to be protected from the incursions and boatings by the South African military, which murders innocent civilians and wreaks costly damage on their national health and strength. In this International Year of Peace, a United Nations presence in strategically related areas of Africa would go a long way towards saving the front-line States from the force and injustices imposed on them by South Africa's economic and military might.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The Bahamas concurs with the Secretary-General's admonition to the World Conference on Sanctions against Racist South Africa, held last June, that "it is high time for the South African Government to realize that time is running out for a negotiated settlement aid to understand that its defiance of the international community as a whole cannot be tolerated indefinitely." Since South Africa does not intend to abandon its apartheid policy voluntarily, what is required is a range of economic sanctions sufficiently costly to compel South Africa to initiate the process of dialog with representatives of the African National Congress of South Africa and other legitimate organizations of the black population with a view to establishing a non-racial representative government.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Regrettably, the South African Government is not interested in negotiations at this time, and has consciously moved away free any realistic negotiating process. Hence, the international community has no meaningful alternative to adopting economic sanctions against South Africa. Otherwise, the only logical projection is that South Africa is headed into an increasingly violent and bloody struggle, after which power-scaring will for all practical purposes be out of the question.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The seven leaders re-examined the situation as mandated in the Nassau Accord on southern Africa and were disappointed that Pretoria had taken none of the substantive suggestions put forward in the Nassau Accord. In fact, the report of the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group concluded that the absence of effective economic pressure on South Africa and the belief that pressure need not be feared were delaying change. The Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group contended that the worst blood-bath since the Second World War might occur in South Africa if the Government there felt that it did not have to fear effective economic measures. The only way to deal with Pretoria is severely to increase economic sanctions.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Racial desegregation, social justice and the abolition of apartheid are now considered by many as life-and-death issues. The racist South African regime is obstinately determined to maintain white supremacy at all costs. It has failed to heed the appeals of the international community, including the United Nations and the Commonwealth, to undertake fundamental changes in the system of apartheid. It has discredited the call for peaceful change by itself resorting to repression and brutality,, It has refused to negotiate with credible black leaders within South Africa. At a meeting in London last August, seven Heads of Government of the Commonwealth determined that no concrete progress had been made in dismantling apartheid since the Nassau meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The Bahamas is impressed by the determination and commitment of the African countries themselves to launch programs for their economic development and to take upon themselves the bulk of the burden of the estimated 3128 billion required to implement the five-year program of action. The racist policy of apartheid of the Government of South Africa has as its foundation discrimination and denationalization and brutal repression of the blade majority. The rising tide of black resistance to apartheid is evidence that the black majority will no longer be patient. It is undaunted by the brutal and savage repression and by the frequent and lengthy states of emergency, and it has courageously defied the state of emergency imposed in June of this year, the tenth anniversary of the Soweto uprising.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“That historic session demonstrated that the United Nations is ready to consider the economic problems of any region of the world comprehensively and effectively. The five-year program of action for Africa's economic recovery and development has the full support of the Government and people of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The Bahamas concurs with the view of the Secretary-General that tapping the resources of Africa, a continent rich in physical and human resources, would go a long way towards meeting the aspirations of its people and at the same time contributing to the economic and social well-being of the region and of the whole worId.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Where possible, it is in the interests of all States to facilitate the flew of resources from private and public sources to the developing countries and to grant free access to the trade of those countries. Protectionist measures adopted by the developed countries that are detrimental to the economic recovery of the developing countries should be reviewed and repealed. In this regard, the Bahamas was heartened by the United Nations response to a critical situation. By its convening of a special session of the General Assembly on the serious economic situation in Africa earlier this year, the Organization underlined the efficacy of the multilateral approach to issues of developmental assistance and support.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The Bahamas believes in the ability of the international community to find lasting solutions to the problems of drug trafficking and drug abuse, and we are committed to international drug control efforts, particularly the work of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the forthcoming world Conference. It is therefore our earnest hope that the international community will support our candidature for those bodies. The recovery and expansion in the industrial and developed countries and economies have not for the most part been mirrored in the developing countries. Many developing countries are obliged to adopt a policy of structural adjustment necessitating reductions in imports and in domestic investment. The prospects for recovery are further dimmed by the heavy debt burden. Economic interdependence is a reality.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“In response to the nefarious practice of drug trafficking, ray Government will soon present to Parliament a bill on drug-trafficking offenses. The bill provides new powers for tracing and freezing the proceeds of drug trafficking and for the imposition of a confiscation order on persons convicted of a drug offense. It also provides for increased maximum periods of imprisonment in default, in situations where the amount of the confiscation order is not paid in full, and it defines new offenses consisting of assisting another person to retain the proceeds of drug trafficking and of disclosing information likely to prejudice a drug-trafficking investigation. Bahamian organizations and the general public have become sensitized to the seriousness of the problem of drug abuse and are giving positive assistance to the national effort.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“This is concomitant with our critical concern to counteract the organized and sophisticated international drug trafficking organizations which continue to exploit the vulnerability and strategic location of the area for the trans-shipment of narcotic drugs to North America and Europe. Those initiatives are in keeping with the goals and objectives of the community. Bilaterally, the Bahamas - a transit State which produces no narcotic drugs -is co-operating very closely and successfully with the United States of America in joint air, land and sea operations in the war against drug traffickers who would use Bahamian territory to transfer their cargoes to the United States of America. In the Bahamas, our national policy is to eradicate drug trafficking and drug abuse.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“In that way, new and creative responses, including the forfeiture of the proceeds of drug crimes, measures to alleviate the special problems of transit States and the comprehensive multidisciplinary framework for drug control to be adopted at the Conference on drug abuse next year, can provide an impetus to international efforts. At the regional level, the Bahamas is pleased to be associated with the decisive step taken by the Americas in the establishment of the Inter-American Commission on Narcotic Drugs. In our own subregion, the Caribbean Community is resolute in its support for the promotion and development of a coherent strategy for drug control.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The Bahamas is endeavoring to participate actively in bringing to fruition notable international initiatives, including the new convention against the illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the meeting of the heads of narcotic law enforcement agencies held in Vienna earlier this year and the International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking that is to be held in Vienna in 1987. The success of these and other initiatives is vital to the strengthening of a comprehensive regime for drug control. Accommodation, balance and general agreement, particularly among the producer countries, the consumer countries and these countries in the chain of illicit traffic, are being encouraged in all endeavors.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Small States do not deserve less simply because of their size and they, too, have a significant part to play in the process of strengthening international peace and collective security. Drug trafficking and drug abuse are aggravating an already unsettled world climate. The destructive effects of that international phenomenon are undermining the security, stability and socio-economic viability of a growing number of States. The intense multilateral response to drug trafficking and drug abuse offers good prospects for stemming the expansion of this menace.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“They are dependent on multilateralism to promote a stable environment in which development can take place and to erect barriers against the arbitrary use and abuse of military, economic or political power. Too often, instability results from external influences of an economic or military nature and from the deployment of mercenaries against national Governments. The participants in a Commonwealth colloquium on the special needs of small States held in Nassau last year recognized the need for the international community to continue to consider the constraints placed on small States and to consider special measures to assist island developing countries to maintain and improve their economic, political and social security.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The Bahamas is pleased to note that the issue of the security of snail States is being addressed increasingly and more meaningfully in such international forums as the General Assembly, the Commonwealth, the oOrganization of American States the Non-Aligned Movement and the United Rations Conference on Trade and Development. At the regional level, the ministers for foreign affairs of the Caribbean Community , at their annual meeting in Belize last June, repeated their call to the international community to respect the right of every State, regardless of size, to a peaceful, secure and sovereign existence and urged the multilateral financial institutions to respond to the special needs of small, developing countries. It is widely accepted that small States are particularly vulnerable.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“In Afghanistan, the international community must strive relentlessly to end a conflict which has taken a grim toll of lives and which continues to exacerbate the world refugee situation and to destroy families. We should not be deterred by the absence of visible signs of movement by opposing sides to resolve this smoldering conflict. In our region of Latin America and the Caribbean we have pockets of conflict Mid confrontation which require a greater measure of peace and stability. The Bahamas commands the efforts of the Contadora Group as a realistic approach to quelling the conflict in Central America. We would appeal to all parties involved to give the process a reasonable chance.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Multilateral efforts to end the war must be intensified if the danger it poses to the security of the region is to be averted. The Middle East continues to be a hotbed of tension and, besides the mounting death toll and devastation of property and of the environment, thousands of people are homeless and nomadic. The obstacles to peace and stability must be realistically confronted. The conflict in Western Sahara continues to escalate despite the appeals and efforts of the international community. Also, turning to South West Africa, there is no clear sign that Namibia will become a sovereign nation in the near future. The question of Cyprus remains unsettled, despite the occasions when a solution seemed imminent.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The Bahamas is also a party to the International Convention against the Taking of Hostages and has recently introduced legislation implementing the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents. We also firmly support the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and other relevant instruments. When we look around we observe conflicts in several regions of the world which have increased the level of international tension. The Iran-Iraq war is still ominous despite the many efforts of the Secretary-General, the Security Council and other mediators to persuade the opponents to end a costly and destructive war.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Certainly history supports the maxim that prevention is better than cure. The Bahamas is heartened by the very strong universal public opposition to the escalation of the arms race. We note the growing number of non-governmental organizations and church and civic groups, which are extremely active in this regard and should be given as much encouragement as possible. International peace and security have been endangered by acts of terrorism and hostage-taking. An alarming number of human lives have already been lost. The Bahamas emphasizes that our times call for multilateral co-operation to find solutions to the underlying problems that give rise to terrorism. Efforts must also be made to apply and strengthen the various mechanisms and instruments available to the international community as safeguards against this ongoing menace.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“In 1978, at the first special session devoted to disarmament, the General Assembly unanimously reaffirmed the goal of the United Nations totally to eliminate atomic weapons and to ensure that atomic energy would be used solely for peaceful purposes. In the ensuing years various measures have been proposed to achieve this goal, including the destruction of and cessation of the prediction of nuclear weapons, a cut-off in the production of weapon-grade fissionable material and the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones. In essence, even the super-Powers and other militarily significant States agree with the view that any further escalation of the arms race would pose untold dangers for the survival of mankind. However, there seems to be an attitude of indifference and inflexibility until an actual disaster occurs.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Javier Perez de Cuellar. His forthright decisions and tireless efforts have been instrumental in persuading Member States to keep the Organization intact and its high principles alive. It is evident that there is much more to be done, but I sense that the uncertainty which surrounded the survival of the United Nations has abated to some degree. We, as Member States, oust co-operate more than ever before in carrying out the necessary recommendations to ensure the continued existence and effectiveness of the United Nations. One of the Organization's most pressing responsibilities concerns the issue of disarmament.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Further, progress is urgently needed in coping with the financial crisis of the United Nations, arresting the erosion of multilateral: -as, particularly in the area of international trade and debt, halting escalation of the arms race, combating terrorism, reducing international tensions, interdicting the trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and ending the racist policies of the Government of South Africa. We are all acutely aware of the financial problems which threaten to cause the United Nations to disintegrate. Earlier this year the crisis not only intensified but threatened the ability of the Organization to protect the principles for which it was founded. A disastrous end was averted owing to creative and determined responses promoted by the dedication and determination of the Secretary-General, Mr.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The dedication of this year to peace underlines the foremost purpose enshrined in the United Nations Charter: to maintain international peace and security. It is only in a peaceful environment, whether local, regional or global, that we can hope to implement the significant and lasting improvements in the quality of life that are so desperately needed around the world. Regrettably, the growing trend towards unilateral action tends to undermine the Organization's central role in dealing with pressing global problems.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Last year, during the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations, an earnest reassessment of the Organization was made. Its notable achievements were highlighted and many of its shortcomings were emphasized. It cannot be disputed that the Organization has played a significant role in promoting interdependence and has been a stabilizing influence in a turbulent world.* * Yet a higher level of international co-operation is vital if we are to settle our problems. Hence, all countries have a stake in strengthening the Organization's capability to meet the needs of mankind. The achievement of peace is in the best interest of all States. It is timely, therefore, that the United Nations has proclaimed 1986, the year after its fortieth anniversary, the International Year of Peace.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“On behalf of the Government and people of a fellow Commonwealth nation, I have the honor to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly at its forty-first session. The fact that our Governments are closely linked through several agreements makes it all the more pleasurable for me to express ray delegation's willingness to assist you in your onerous task. I wish to pay a tribute, Mr. President, to your predecessor, Don Jaime de Pinies, who performed admirably under very difficult circumstances. It is no exaggeration to say that from one of the most experienced, skillful and affable diplomats the General Assembly expected, and received nothing less than, expert leadership.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“On the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations it is my fervent hope that this Assembly's deliberations will be crowned with much success.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“From 16 to 22 October, the Bahamas will have the honor to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Nassau. This conclave will be attended by the leaders of 49 States which represent over a quarter of the world's population. It is a happy convergence of events that the meeting will take place during this session of the General Assembly, as I am sure that the meeting will have a positive impact on this Assembly's deliberations and will result in a healthy cross-fertilization of ideas and policies on the major issues that characterize the international environment today. The hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government involves for the Bahamas a reaffirmation of our strong support for international organizations as a whole, including the United Nations. Our support is as strong as it has always been, and continues to grow.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“As the International Youth Year draws to a close I should like to commend the organizers on the very successful conferences and other international meetings and events which have been organized during the year. I am also pleased to note the conscious effort undertaken by the United Nations in focusing on young people and identifying the contribution they can and must make in shaping the future of humanity. In this regard particular note is taken of the important role of the United Nations youth training centers and the volunteers program. The Bahamas will continue to work actively in the interest of youth and to support the United Nations in its various endeavors to promote the interests of young people with a view to their developing their full potential as positive contributors to society and the world.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“By the year 2000 it is expected that there will be 1 billion young people. It is also said that one of the most valuable resources of any country is its youth. Given these factors, the Bahamas has paid considerable attention to the development of its young people. The average age in the Bahamas is 25, and so it is our view that it is a vital necessity, and not mere idealistic fantasizing, to ensure that the needs and aspirations of young people are met. A number of activities and events were initiated in 1985 by the Ministry of Youth that were specifically geared not only towards the identification of the problems of youth but also towards working along with young people in seeking solutions to those problems.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“It is particularly noteworthy that during this fortieth anniversary year of the United Nations such a historic document has been adopted by 157 nations of the world. This display of solidarity shows our efforts to integrate and cement our ideas not only on issues affecting women but also on many matters of over-all international concern. During the next 15 years, to ensure that the goals set forth in the "Forward-looking Strategies" are realized will require the good will and dedicated commitment of all nations to work actively towards that end. The Bahamas has always paid particular attention to promoting the interests of women. It is said that today's youth is probably the best-schooled generation in history and that over 850 million of the world's population are between the ages of 15 and 24.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“In this regard we welcome the proposal for the drafting of a new convention against drug trafficking and the proposal by the Secretary-General for a conference at ministerial level to address and find viable solutions to this problem. I am pleased to note that the United Nations Decade for Women was brought to a culmination with the consensus adoption of the document entitled "Forward-looking Strategies to the year 2000" by the Conference recently held in Nairobi, Kenya. This document is not only designed to improve the status of women and to integrate them into all aspects of development, but also seeks to ensure that during the next 15 years the international community strives as much as possible for world peace.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“The developed consumer countries, with their superior resources and scientific expertise, can play an especially catalytic role in combating drug trafficking and abuse. The Bahamas is a young society. We are also a small resource-poor developing country dependent on a continuous influx of visitors who feel safe and relaxed in our islands. We cannot afford to have drug trafficking gain and retain an influential position in our society. The Government of the Bahamas remains fully committed to the eradication of international drug trafficking and drug abuse. We are working and will continue to work, for however long is necessary, with the relevant bodies of the United Nations and like-minded States in combating this problem.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“It will take the massive resolve and commitment of the entire international community to defeat this illicit activity and thereby the destructive influence it has on the moral and social fabric of our societies. The Bahamas is in the unenviable position of being squarely located between the major producer and consumer countries and the geographical configuration of the Bahamas itself makes it a haven for drug traffickers. As has been pointed out in past General Assemblies and other bodies of the United Nations, the Bahamas is not and has never been a producer of drugs nor a major consumer. However, consumption has increased directly in proportion to trafficking. Conversely, a direct and systematic campaign for the reduction of consumption would diminish production and trafficking.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“The Government and people of the Bahamas are committed to the achievement of independence for Namibia. We know that this is inevitable, because the international community cannot and will no longer tolerate the denial of self-determination to the people of Namibia. The Bahamas also reiterates its support for SWAPO, the recognized representative of the Namibian people. I take this opportunity to congratulate the United Nations and its relevant bodies on the work undertaken to date in the Eight against the international traffic in drugs. Nevertheless, illicit traffic in drugs and drug abuse continue to be an extremely grave problem in our societies.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“Years of work by the United Nations, the United Nations Council for Namibia, the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), the front-line States and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) were crystallized in Security Council resolution 435 (1973), which represents a blueprint for independence for Namibia. South Africa's intransigence in defying the decisions of this Organization and its inflexibility and unwillingness to accept reasonable and sensible approaches have now been exacerbated by its recent unilateral decision to install a so-called interim government in Namibia. International outrage is surely justified in this instance. Further, the irrelevant and extraneous arguments introduced by South Africa serve only to justify its continued intransigence and its incursions into the territory of the front-line States.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“This Assembly should go on record as having called for the unconditional release of Nelson Mandela. We are pleased to support the struggling people of South Africa, both morally and materially, and in this connection, are in favour of mandatory sanctions against South Africa and wish to commend those who have taken positive steps in that direction. As members of this world body we must support and give effect to its high principles regarding the dignity and worth of the human person. The eradication of apartheid demands our urgent and immediate attention.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“Apartheid is a deplorable system; it is objectionable and offensive. It degrades and tramples on the dignity of human beings. The intent of the racist regime to maintain this system has become increasingly evident, in spite of the people's struggle for freedom and democracy. The state of emergency has occasioned the most brutal repression in recent history even of those committed to peaceful change. The Bahamas pays a special tribute to such noble persons as Nelson Mandela, who languishes in prison for daring to ask for justice for his people and Steve Biko and Victoria Mxenge, who made the supreme sacrifice for this cause. We unequivocally support such patriots as Bishop Desmond Tutu and the Reverend Allan Boesak, who continue to strive for justice.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)