NASSAU, Bahamas (BIS): US Ambassador to The Bahamas Ned Siegel has pledged to continue the literacy programme in the schools that was started by his predecessor John Rood.

Siegel told the Minister of Lands and Local Government, Sidney Collie during a courtesy call on Wednesday, that the US Embassy also plans on taking the programme to the Family Islands.“Today I have my first reading at Woodcock Elementary at 11:45 a.m., and I already have my book picked out and look forward to reading to the second grade,” Siegel said.

“Without question the literacy programme must be a commitment of this Embassy, and will be a commitment of this Embassy. Mrs Siegel plans with the Embassy and myself to take it beyond New Providence.”

Collie said it was important to get children reading while they are young so that some of the anti-social problems found in the junior high schools will be alleviated.

The Minister also said he wished that the continued partnership between the two countries would continue to grow and prosper.