The Pan Afrikanist Watchman

GABORONE, 11th September 2023

The President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi will today undertake a three-day State Visit to the Commonwealth of Bahamas from 12th to 15th September 2023, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Bahamas, The Honourable Mr. Phillip Edward Davis.

According to a press statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Botswana and Bahamas established diplomatic relations in May 2006 and enjoy excellent bilateral relations anchored on shared values of commitment to democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

In Bahamas, President Masisi will hold official talks with Prime Minister Davis, where the two leaders are expected to discuss the establishment of political consultations between Botswana and Bahamas, as well as, explore areas for enhanced cooperation such as in the tourism, health and agriculture sectors.

The President will also pay a Courtesy Call on the Governor General, Her Excellency Cynthia Alexandria Pratta, and deliver a public lecture at the University of Bahamas held under the theme, “Strengthening Democracy to Develop the Next Generation of Leaders.”

Subsequent to the State Visit, President Masisi will participate at the Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Group of 77 and China, in Havana, Cuba, from 15th to 16th September 2023.

At the Summit, which will be held under the theme, “Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation,” Botswana will have the opportunity to contribute towards global solutions that promote technology and innovation as drivers of sustainable development.

From the 19th to 23rd September 2023, His Excellency the President, will participate at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) in New York.

The theme for this year’s Session is, “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its sustainable development goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.”

The President is expected to address the General Assembly while in New York. Following UNGA 78, President Masisi will participate at an international conference in Germany that brings together start-ups, entrepreneurs and investors.

In addition to exploring opportunities for Botswana start-ups and promoting the country as an investment destination, President Masisi will deliver a keynote address, themed: “Building the City of the Future – towards a knowledge-based economy.”

The President will be accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Neo Masisi; Ministers of Foreign Affairs; Local Government and Rural Development; Finance; Lands and Water Affairs; Agriculture; Education and Skills Development; Health; Minerals and Energy; Trade and Industry; Communications, Knowledge and Technology; Members of Parliament for Gaborone Central and Nkange, as well as, Senior Government Officials.

The President and his delegation are expected to return to Gaborone on 26th September 2023.

ABOUT PHILLIP EDWARD DAVIS

The Honourable Philip Edward “Brave” Davis, the fifth Prime Minister of The Bahamas and litigation lawyer, was born June 7, 1951, in Cat Island to Brave Edward Davis, a firefighter from Old Bight, Cat Island, and Dorothy Smith Davis, a housekeeper from Alexander, Great Exuma.

The first child of eight children, he began his early education at the Old Bight All-Age School, the oldest of eight children. He graduated from St. John’s College (Anglican High School) in Nassau in 1969, where he was active in baseball, softball, and swimming. In 1975, Davis passed the Bahamas Bar and became a Partner in the Law Firm of Christie, Ingraham, and Company. In 1995, he was the president of the Bahamas Bar Association.

Philip is married to Anne-Marie Davis, is from Trinidad and Tobago and a Licensed Chartered Accountant, Alumna of the London School of Accountancy in London, England, and a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants of Scotland. They have six children, Philice Davis, Phillipa Davis, Philip Davis Jr., Philmore Davis, Christopher Davis, and Christian Davis.

In 2002, Davis became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Cat Island, Rum Cay & San Salvador. And from 2012 to 2017, he held the position of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development in the Progressive Liberal Party Government. Afterward, Davis served as Leader of the Opposition until 2021.

In 2021, Davis was elected Prime Minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas by a Progressive Liberal Party landslide victory, winning 32 of the 39 seats in the House of Assembly. After being elected, he led a Bahamian delegation to New York City for the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Davis brought to their attention the devastation of the islands caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. He also addressed the High-Level Segment of the United Nations Climate Change Conference UK in Partnership with Italy, COP26.

In 2022, the Honourable Philip Edward “Brave” Davis updated the Bahamas about the fight against COVID-19. He informed his constituents about his discussion about The Bahamas’ future with the monarchy and that it will be a Bahamian decision.

In addition, Davis presented his “Blueprint For Change” at the Bahamas Government’s Digital Transformation Symposium. He urged the citizens of the Bahamas to take full advantage of the transformative potential of technology, including e-Governance. He also outlined a vision and a framework to guide digital asset policy in The Bahamas.