[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23683]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                            RICK BLANKENSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 30, 2001

  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, as a Floridian and a Member of 
Congress, I am thrilled to see that Mr. Blankenship is going to be the 
next Ambassador to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. A community 
activist and advocate for children and local schools, I am certain he 
will serve our country honorably.
  Mr. Blankenship's qualifications, which include over 20 years of 
experience in the private sector and years of work with Caribbean 
nations, make him a perfect fit for this position. His leadership in 
the area of international trade should benefit both countries, and his 
experience with air and port security will be a great asset at this 
critical time.
  You know, the Bahamas is only 45 miles from the coast of Florida. My 
state has a special relationship with the island, as well as the 
Caribbean in general. And not only does the United States have close 
economic ties to the island, we also share ethnic and cultural ties, 
especially in education. And although many people outside the U.S. 
view, us as ``the ugly Americans'' or ``imperialists,'' I think that 
Mr. Blankenship could do a lot to improve our already friendly 
relations with the island. His concern for improving education and for 
children proves that he is a man that is concerned about people, and 
kids in particular. I know he will serve well as a link between our two 
countries.
  I would like to close by once again congratulating Mr. Blankenship 
and wish him the best in his new position!

                          ____________________