U.S. Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires Lisa Johnson (center) on Saturday past hosted an American Pre-Independence Reception aboard the U.S.S Oscar Austin DDG captained by Naval Commander Janice G. Smith (right).
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires Lisa Johnson on Saturday past hosted an American Pre-Independence Reception abroad the U.S.S Oscar Austin DDG 79 Naval Ship captained by Commanding Officer Janice G. Smith.
Emphasizing the “rich history and the bravely fought-for-independence of both the United States of America and The Bahamas, Chargé d’ Affaires Johnson along with Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville warmly welcomed guests to the reception and saluted both countries’ “inextricable bond.”
“It is always a pleasure to be back in Grand Bahama and I am delighted that you could join us here tonight abroad the U.S.S Oscar Austin DDG 79 Naval Ship under the command of Janice G. Smith and for me it is a particular honor to welcome her back to The Bahamas, as she knows the region (Caribbean) very well and is a native of Jamaica (West Indies).
“Commander Smith was a part of our U.S. Mission to The Bahamas serving as the Chief of the U.S. Embassy (Nassau) Office of Defense Cooperation (2009-2011).
“The USS Oscar Austin has served faithfully for 16 years and saw action twice in the Persian Gulf is support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and is now operating from Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.
“In ways great and small all of our servicemen and women sacrifice for their country give up their own safety, personal liberties and time with family and friends to protect the rights and freedoms of others.
“Rights and freedoms are close to my heart, as we near both the U.S. (American) and Bahamian Independence Days (July 4 and July 10) and are two things that distinguish the United States and continue to make us a great nation today as well as they are (rights and freedoms) two things that we have in common with The Bahamas.
“Our country was a grand experiment in liberty as was the City of Freeport, Grand Bahama. In both instances people saw a vision and potential in wilderness and carved out something extraordinary,” declared Chargé d’ Affaires Johnson, who praised Grand Bahama for its economic ingenuity that is second to none in the Caribbean region.
She challenged Grand Bahamians to have an awareness of history.
Saluting founders of the City of Freeport, she said such “like Wallace Groves, Edward St. George and Sir Jack Hayward, vision has transformed (the city) it into one of the greatest jewels in the western hemisphere. Chargé d’ Affaires Johnson also reminded reception guests that they (the pioneer investors) have left a legacy under the feet of Grand Bahamians, one that must be wisely embraced.
“Freeport hosts a world-class Container Port and, is The Bahamas’ largest exporter, equipped with cutting-edge medical and pharmaceutical facilities and excellent infrastructure.
“With these great strengths, Freeport has the potential to be among the great economic models of the 21st Century so we look forward to building upon our deep ties with the City of Freeport, Grand Bahama, as it moves forward to realizing that deep potential.
“Besides our countries are more that just close neighbors, as we share a common history, values and commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
“Now with the NBA (National Basketball Association) and WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) Drafts, we also get to share First Round Draft Picks Jonquel Jones (Connecticut Suns) and Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield (New Orleans Pelicans). Hence I expect to see everyone on Grand Bahama wearing Pelicans Jerseys,” quipped Chargé d’ Affaires Johnson, who noted that all the reception guests represent the USA’s key partners in its efforts to advance both countries’ mutual interests.
Those objectives she pointed out are ensuring the safety and security of both countries’ citizenry, furthering trade and economic development as well as protecting the environment, promoting clean energy and extending opportunities for marginalized groups such as women, girls and those affected by HIV/AIDS are just some of those issues of interest.
Chargé d’ Affaires Johnson revealed that the U.S.A is committed to its partnership with The Bahamas and remains confident that it will continue to make progress in all the aforementioned areas due to the dedicated support of all key partners.
“I thank all of you for all that you do every day to make The Bahamas and by extension the United States of America (USA) a better place and now I pause to salute the shared democratic values of both our countries and enduring partnership to winning seasons and lots of playing time for Jonquel Jones (Connecticut Suns) and Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield (New Orleans Pelicans) as well as to the 240th American and 43rd Bahamas anniversaries of Independence, to liberty everywhere and may God continue to bless both of our beautiful countries,” the Chargé d’ Affaires said.
Thanking Chargé d’ Affaires Johnson for her kind words, Minister Darville also saluted both The Bahamas’ and U.S.A’s mutually beneficial relationship and friendship.
Additionally, he revealed how grateful the Ministry of Grand Bahama is to Chargé d’ Affaires Johnson and her team for its cooperation, good work, diplomacy and philanthropic efforts towards the people of The Bahamas.
“Please know Chargé d’ Affaires Johnson that you have and will continue to have the full support of The Bahamas government, as we continue to build our friendship and interests.
“The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the United States of America (U.S.A) share a wide array of cultural, economical ties and interests.
“We have partnered for years in areas such as trading of goods, services, tax information exchange, tourism education and a host of other areas and bound by geography, we are more than just international allies, we are friends.
“Within the next two days, July 4, 2016 will be the mark of 240 years of the original 13 colonies that declared their independence as a sovereign nation and through centuries of trials, triumphs and monumental achievements America is still strong.
“In fact her Liberty Torch still burns bright and remains the land of the free and the home of the brave.
“I am pleased to have this opportunity to represent the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and to say to the United States of America (USA) and the USS Oscar Austin Commanding Officer Smith that we are so pleased to have you here in our port.
“Chargé d’ Affaires Johnson has clearly indicated what we are all about in Grand Bahama and as you look around you will see our transshipment capabilities, the fact that the harbor is currently going through a transformation process and metamorphosis, our shipyard is extending its arm and we are in the final stages of dredging our harbor to make it a world-class facility.
“With the opening of the locks at the Panama Canal, Grand Bahama is now positioned as a sister port to become very effective in the global trade industry.
“So as the months and years go ahead, we continue to work with our partners in the United States of America (USA) with direct foreign investments from abroad, particularly in the USA and we look forward to continuing this strong, solid relationship that we have nurtured over the years.
“On behalf of all of the government officials on Grand Bahama, we want to thank you for this opportunity and we look forward to tying an even greater bond in the months and years to come.
“God bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the United States of America (USA) now and always,” said Minister Darville.
By: Sharell Lockhart
Source: Freeport News/Guardian
