Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest said the Government of The Bahamas seeks cooperative security, social and economic advancement and a healthy Bahamian culture as all Governments should seek. “And as such, we appreciate the United States Embassy as a longstanding partner to The Bahamas in these common interests between our countries,” added Minister Turnquest.

The Deputy Prime Minister’s remarks came during a brief ceremony aboard the USS Iwo Jima on Friday, June 16, 2017.

In welcoming the ship to Freeport Harbour, Minister Turnquest pointed out that in 2016 The Bahamas welcomed more than six million tourists to its shores, with 85 percent of that number hailing from the United States of America.

He said that the Government is ever mindful of ensuring that visitors to The Bahamas are kept safe and can enjoy the beauty and culture of the country. “At the same time, The Bahamas is a transit point for many illegal enterprises attempting to enter the United States,” said Minister Turnquest.

“The Government of The Bahamas, like your government, is aware of the difficult, tedious and dangerous work performed by military vessels. Maritime work is done quietly and away from fanfare. The Bahamas has a modest Defense Force and yet we know that the military officers’ consolation is mainly in the love, integrity, mastery and dependability of the important work that they do.”

While in Port for a number of days, marines aboard the USS Iwo Jima took the time to do humanitarian work on the island of Grand Bahama. Working along with local vendors and volunteers, the marines did cleanup work and reconstruction of the parks in West End, they held a reading program with a primary school, as well as held a sports day.

Minister Turnquest said that The Bahamas registers its appreciation for the humanitarian support it receives from the United States. 

“This evening, aboard this impressive ship, I take this opportunity to personally thank you (Captain Midkiff) and your officers on behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas for the service that you provide through the United States Northern Command,” said Minister Turnquest.

“The Government of The Bahamas, led by the Honorable Prime Minister, Hubert Minnis is committed to continued good relations and cooperation and support on matters in the interest of our respective countries; and in the interests of the peace, security and good governance of the community of nations in this hemisphere.

“The Government also recognizes the inherent value of the natural alliance between our countries in a new world dynamic involving sudden and profound changes and challenges.”

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the Iwo Jima, docked in Freeport Harbour, gave the Bahamian government the opportunity to consider that much of the functional cooperation between The Bahamas and the United States is built on decades of good relations. He added that The Bahamas, before and after independence in 1973, has enjoyed only a relationship of good will with the United States. He noted that while the interests of both nations are not always the same, both countries enjoy shared values.

“For that matter, the Government of The Bahamas will maintain participation in regional, hemispheric and international organizations as a commitment to the interests of the people of The Bahamas amongst nations,” said Minister Turnquest. “I would like to mention in particular that the Government of The Bahamas is committed to ongoing initiatives and will explore new initiatives against irregular migration and against trafficking in people; in illicit narcotics and other substances and in firearms.

“The Government also intends to conclude outstanding negotiations on the delimitation of the country’s boundaries, among other matters.”

By Andrew Coakley

Bahamas Information Services