Consul General Joy A. Newbold

Consul General Joy A. Newbold Consul General for The Commonwealth of The Bahamas in Los Angeles

CONSUL GENERAL JOY A. NEWBOLD-SHERMAN ATTENDS AFRICA DAY CELEBRATION AT LOS ANGELES CITY HALL, DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELESLos A...
07/17/2026

CONSUL GENERAL JOY A. NEWBOLD-SHERMAN ATTENDS AFRICA DAY CELEBRATION AT LOS ANGELES CITY HALL, DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

Los Angeles, California – June 10, 2026
Consul General Joy A. Newbold-Sherman proudly represented the Commonwealth of The Bahamas at this year’s Africa Day celebration hosted by the City of Los Angeles.

On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, Councilwoman Heather Hutt, Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, and Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr. extended the invitation to the event, which took place on Tuesday, June 10, 2026, at Los Angeles City Hall. The event commenced at 9:00am behind the John Ferraro City Council Chamber, followed immediately by a formal presentation at 10:00 AM.
The program celebrated diplomatic representatives from Africa and the Caribbean while highlighting four distinguished community leaders for their outstanding contributions.

During the celebration, the City of Los Angeles presented to her surprise, Consul General Joy A. Newbold-Sherman with a Certificate of Recognition in acknowledgment of her dedicated service, leadership in strengthening bilateral relations, and contributions to the diplomatic community in the region. Consul General Newbold expressed deep appreciation for the honor and reaffirmed The Bahamas’ commitment to fostering strong ties with the City of Los Angeles, the broader African diaspora, and Caribbean partners.

“This recognition underscores the enduring friendship between The Bahamas and the United States, particularly within the vibrant multicultural landscape of Los Angeles,” said Consul General Newbold-Sherman. “It is an honor to stand alongside my African and Caribbean diplomatic colleagues as we celebrate Africa Day and the rich cultural heritage and shared values that unite us.”
The Bahamas maintains strong diplomatic and people-to-people connections with nations across Africa and the Caribbean, and events such as Africa Day provide valuable opportunities to promote cultural exchange, trade, and cooperation.

The Bahamas Consulate General in Los Angeles serves the states of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska.

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The Bahamas Consulate General Los Angeles Hosts the 3rd Annual Independence Family Fun Day & PicnicSherman Oaks, Califor...
07/13/2026

The Bahamas Consulate General Los Angeles Hosts the 3rd Annual Independence Family Fun Day & Picnic

Sherman Oaks, California – On Saturday, July 11, 2026, The Bahamas Consulate General Los Angeles hosted the 3rd annual Independence Family Fun Day & Picnic at Hazeltine Park (Van Nuys Sherman Oaks War Memorial Park), 14201 Huston Street, Sherman Oaks, California 91423.

The gathering brought together members of the Bahamian diaspora, consular colleagues, and friends of The Bahamas to celebrate the nation’s 53rd anniversary of Independence.

Consul General Joy A. Newbold-Sherman opened the festivities with a prayer, offering thanks for the strong community turnout and extending warm appreciation to all. In a moment of solemn reflection, she paid reverence to the souls lost in the tragic plane crash on the island of Andros on July 10th.

While leading the gathering in joyful celebration of The Bahamas’ milestone 53 years as an independent nation, CG Newbold-Sherman also reflected on the past 3 years of festivities at the park and encouraged the diaspora to keep their spirits, hearts and minds in the theme of the 53rd year as we are “Celebrating our heritage, shaping our tomorrow.”

All officers from the Consulate General were in attendance, joined by esteemed members of the Los Angeles Consular Corps, including Caribbean colleagues, the Ag. Consul General of Belize, Ms. Yvette Gentile and the Honorary Consul of Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs. Joan Chanman-Forbes. The event also welcomed Bahamians and friends from across the jurisdiction, with representatives of the diaspora traveling from San Diego and as far as Nevada to reconnect with their heritage and one another.

The afternoon featured classic Bahamian camaraderie through lively music, games of corn hole, dominoes, giant Jenga, and trivia. A highlight was the abundant buffet showcasing authentic Bahamian delicacies, including peas and rice, barbecued and baked chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, macaroni, and homemade desserts such as potato bread, banana bread, and johnny cake. Children and adults alike enjoyed the sunny yet pleasantly cool LA weather, fostering fellowship, laughter, and cherished memories. Group photographs captured the vibrant “Bahamian family” on the West Coast, underscoring the strength and unity of the community far from home. The gathering exemplified the enduring spirit of resilience, cultural pride, and shared prosperity that defines the Bahamian people.

A huge announcement was also made by the diaspora member Mr. Oral Ellis, who informed the gathering of his intent to form the official Bahamian Association of California. Mr. Ellis advised that he hopes to have the group established by end of year with a governing body organizing future outreach, events and country specific mandate of cooperation with the Consulate General. CG Newbold-Sherman endorsed Mr. Ellis’ proposal and thanked him for taking lead with this initiative.

The Consul General in closing extended her sincere gratitude to all attendees, who contributed to the success of this meaningful annual celebration. She stated that events such as these reinforce the Mission’s commitment to engaging the Bahamian diaspora, strengthening cultural ties, and promoting The Bahamas across its twelve-state jurisdiction.

As The Bahamas continues its journey of nation-building, the Consulate General remains dedicated to serving its nationals and advancing the country’s interests on the West Coast of the United States.

PRESS RELEASECONSUL GENERAL JOY A. NEWBOLD-SHERMAN DELIVERS REMARKS AND CONGRATULATES MS. AISHA BOWE ON RECEIVING THE SH...
07/01/2026

PRESS RELEASE

CONSUL GENERAL JOY A. NEWBOLD-SHERMAN DELIVERS REMARKS AND CONGRATULATES MS. AISHA BOWE ON RECEIVING THE SHIRLEY CHISHOLM LEGACY AWARD AT THE 2026 CARIBBEAN HERITAGE SALUTE TO HOLLYWOOD & EXCELLENCE AWARDS GALA

The Bahamas Consulate General Los Angeles is pleased to highlight in a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Tourism, the participation of Consul General Joy A. Newbold-Sherman at the 2026 Caribbean Heritage Salute to Hollywood & Excellence Awards Gala, held on Saturday, 27th June, 2026, at Mica Studios in the Historic Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles.

In her official remarks on behalf of the Government and people of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Consul General Newbold-Sherman extended warm congratulations to Ms. Aisha Bowe, who she described as a proud daughter of the Caribbean diaspora with deep family roots in Exuma, The Bahamas, upon her receipt of the prestigious Shirley Chisholm Legacy Award.

“A proud daughter of the Caribbean diaspora and a true island girl with deep roots in The Bahamas — particularly her family ties to Exuma — Ms. Bowe embodies the spirit of determination, intellectual brilliance, and trailblazing leadership that defines our region’s contributions to the world,” Consul General Newbold-Sherman stated.

She outlined Ms. Bowe’s remarkable journey includes her academic excellence in aerospace engineering and space systems at the University of Michigan, distinguished service as a NASA engineer, and pioneering work as an entrepreneur and passionate STEM advocate.

During her statement, CG went on to state that Ms. BOWE has broken barriers and inspired countless young minds, especially girls and women of colour, to reach for the stars. She highlighted the annual HACK IT Bahamas Summer Camp founded by Ms. Bowe advising that the program has provided hands-on opportunities for Bahamian youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, nurturing the next generation of innovators and aligning closely with The Bahamas’ national priorities in technological development, digital transformation, and STEM education.

In April 2025, Ms. Bowe made history as part of Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-31 mission, an all-female crewed suborbital flight, where she served as a science payload operator. Her call sign, “Exuma,” proudly honored her Bahamian heritage.

On behalf of The Right Honourable Philip Brave Davis, Prime Minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and The Honourable Frederick A. Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Honourable Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Tourism, Consul General Newbold-Sherman expressed the Government’s deepest appreciation and congratulations to Ms. Bowe for her continued advocacy and contributions that uplift Bahamian and Caribbean talent globally. She was then presented by Consul General Joy A. Newbold with a crystal plaque from the Caribbean Heritage LA and crystal plaque by the Government of The Bahamas.

The Consul General also extended heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Marva Griffiths Herman, Founder, President, and Executive Director of the Caribbean Heritage Organization, for her visionary leadership in creating a platform that celebrates Caribbean excellence and fosters cultural pride within the diaspora community.
The Bahamas Consulate General Los Angeles remains committed to strengthening bonds between the homeland and the diaspora while showcasing the boundless potential of the Caribbean spirit.

For more information, please contact:
The Bahamas Consulate General Los Angeles
Center West Building
10877 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 600
Los Angeles, California 90024
Main Telephone: 310-928-6680
Email: [email protected]

Photo credit: Bahamas Consulate General Los Angeles and Tourism Today Bahamas LA

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas
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IMMEDIATE RELEASETHE BAHAMAS CONSULATE GENERAL LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIALos Angeles, California – June 18, 2026CONSUL GENE...
06/25/2026

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE BAHAMAS CONSULATE GENERAL LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles, California – June 18, 2026

CONSUL GENERAL JOY A. NEWBOLD SIGNS BOOK OF CONDOLENCE FOR HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS BAJRAKITIYABHA NARENDIRADEBYAVATI

The Bahamas Consulate General in Los Angeles wishes to inform the public that today, Thursday, 18 June 2026, Consul General Joy A. Newbold paid a courtesy visit to the Royal Thai Consulate General in Los Angeles to sign the Book of Condolence on the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita.

Consul General Newbold conveyed the deepest condolences of the Honorable Prime Minister Philip Davis, Foreign Minister Frederick Mitchell and the Government and People of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Royal Thai Government, the Thai Royal Family, and the people of Thailand on the loss of the beloved Princess.

Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati passed away peacefully on 11th June 2026 at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok.

The signing of the Book of Condolence reflects the strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Consul General Joy A. Newbold was received on arrival at the Thai Consulate by Mr. Tor Saralamba, Consul-General of Thailand to Los Angeles. She was also accompanied by Vice Consul Rico Neely of the Consulate General during the visit.

The Consulate General extends its heartfelt sympathies to the Thai community in California and surrounding jurisdictions and joins them in mourning this profound loss.

For further information, please contact:
The Bahamas Consulate General
Los Angeles, California
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (310) 928-6680

Address

10877 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 600
Los Angeles, CA
90024

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14248323154

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