Consular Conversations: Bahamas Recovery Edition

Global Atlanta’s monthly Consular Conversations Series continues as the editorial team interviews Astra Armbrister-Rolle, Consul General of the Bahamas in Atlanta, in a special edition of the series focused on the Bahamas’ recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian’s devastation — and how Atlanta has and can continue to help.

The September 2019 storm killed an estimated 70 Bahamians, mostly on the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco, with hundreds more undocumented migrants missing or thought to be dead. Thousands of homes were destroyed, with the damages now estimated at more than $3 billion. The consulate has been the point of contact for a steadfast recovery effort around the South.

Topics of discussion are to include:

• Dorian’s human and economic impact
• Recovery efforts to date
• The special need for tourism this season
• Consulate’s role in coordinating nonprofit outreach in Georgia
• Hurricane preparedness enhancements — before and after
• Followup on investment and trade outreach focused on agriculture, food, manufacturing and energy during the consul general’s first two years
• Update on university links fostered by the consulate

The format:

• Catered light lunch with soft drinks
• One-on-one conversation with the Global Atlanta editorial team, followed by moderated audience Q&A
• Discussion covered by Global Atlanta and published in a later article

About our speaker:

Astra Armbrister-Rolle currently serves as Consul
General to The Bahamas Consulate in Atlanta,
Georgia. As a first time envoy, Rolle brings a wealth
of experience as a fundraising professional in the non-
profit sector specializing in annual giving
management, prospect development and donor
stewardship. Having served in both private and not-
for-profit entities, Rolle has managed the portfolios of
organizations, implemented fundraising strategies,
oversaw membership and grants programs, and
coordinated volunteer leadership for fundraising
efforts and major campaigns. All of which were
skillsets fostered through her membership of the
American Association of Fundraising Professionals
and further utilized during her tenure as Director of
Development with the Bahamas National Trust, Nassau, Bahamas.

Nation building and policy development both domestic and foreign have always been
Rolle’s priority. As early as 15yrs Rolle made a promise to her parents and family to
return home and help to make The Bahamas a better place. Having lived in Canada
briefly, Rolle is an alumnus of McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario.

In fulfillment of her promise made to her parents, since returning to The Bahamas Rolle
has served as a council member for the FNM Torchbearers Youth Association and is an
active member of The Bahamas Toastmasters program. Embracing her family heritage
and as a descent of Acklins Island Rolle serves as Secretary General to the Acklins Trade
and Development Association and a member of the Lovely Bay Development
Association where the work of both organizations assists the residents of Acklins Island
with economic opportunities and seeks to develop the island.

Mrs. Armbrister-Rolle is happily married and a mother to one son. Her hobbies include
public speaking, cooking and reading.