Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, on Saturday, July 2, toasted the celebration of American Independence onboard the USS Oscar Austin at Freeport Harbour. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
The United States and The Bahamas are more than neighbours, but friends said Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville during a reception on Saturday, July 2, 2016 to celebrate American Independence.
The event took place on board the USS Oscar Austin and was hosted by US Embassy Charge d' Affaires Lisa Johnson.
Minister Darville thanked Ms. Johnson and her team for their continued cooperation, good work, diplomacy and philanthropic efforts towards The Bahamas, and added that the US has and will continue to have the full support of this country and its government as mutual interests are advanced.
The United States and The Bahamas, he said, share a wide array of cultural and economic ties and global interests. We have partnered for years in areas such as trading of goods and services, tax information exchanges, tourism, education and a host of other areas.
A reception was held onboard the USS Oscar Austin on Saturday, July 2, to celebrate American Independence. Shown giving brief remarks is the Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, while US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Lisa A. Johnson (at right) looks on. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
"Bound by geography, we are more than just international allies, we are friends."
July 4, marks the 240th year the original colonies declared their independence as a sovereign nation, continued Minister Darville, "and through centuries of trials, triumphs and monumental achievements, America is still strong, her liberty torch still burns bright, and she remains the land of the free and the home of the brave."
Toasting with a cross section of the Grand Bahama community, the Minister for Grand Bahama raised his glass to celebrate American Independence.
Commanding Officer of the USS Oscar Austin, Cmdr. Janice G. Smith presents the American Flag to Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville during a reception onboard the Navy ship at Freeport Harbour on Saturday, July 2, 2016. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
By Robyn Adderley
Source: Bahamas Information Services
