Thursday, July 9, 2009

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Importance of relationship between United States and The Bahamas stressed By GENEA NOEL ~ Freeport News Reporter ~ genea@nasguard.com: The importance of the relationship between The Bahamas and the United States was underscored at the first US Embassy Independence celebrations held in Grand Bahama Wednesday evening at the Our Lucaya Resort. As the United States of America prepares to celebrate its independence tomorrow, attendees gathered for the special reception held in honor of the life and legacy of former US President Abraham Lincoln. Timothy Zuniga-Brown, United States Charge d' Affairs, in his opening remarks, said that the occasion was especially important in recognizing the "excellent partnership" with the people of The Bahamas. "By hosting this event in Freeport, it was our way of saying thank you to all of the Family Islands," Zuniga-Brown said. "We are fortunate to have American installations in Andros, Exuma, Mayguana, Grand Bahama and New Providence." This presence is an integral and indispensable part of the overall mission in The Bahamas, Zuniga-Brown said. He noted that the government of The Bahamas is one of the United States' closest friends in the region and one of its closest security partners in the hemisphere. "We work together every day to protect our citizens on land and on sea against the strengths of drug trafficking and ... smuggling of people. Together we secure our boarders and passenger terminals and ensure that our ports are safe ... especially here in Freeport." Zuniga-Brown said both countries promote prosperity in trade and justice and seek to develop the talent of youth through education, music and culture. "We seek to safeguard our ocean and environment which our prosperity and well being ultimately depend on, all with the common idea of creating a better future for our children for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for both of our people." Minister of Housing Kenneth Russell also touted the relationship between the two countries, noting that the United States is the "beacon of freedom" in the world today — freedom that The Bahamas has come to enjoy. "This is only the tip of the iceberg that has been revealed," Russell said. "Far less has been published about the depth and breath of the relationship between The Bahamas and the United States." Outlining the role that Grand Bahama has played in this progress, Russell noted the achievements of pioneer Wallace Grove, who attracted industrial growth and commercial development in Freeport and Lucaya that tourists and natives alike have enjoyed. "Indeed, the US plays an integral part in the county's industry, especially tourism. Year after year statistics reveal that the majority of our tourists hail from the United States," he said. "Our closest proximity and the privilege of pre-clearance ensure a steady flow of customers from the US for vacation, business or family reunions and higher education." He pointed out that the relationship between the two independent countries spans many decades with the development of the Missile Base in the 1940s, the development of the Deep Water Fishing Lodge in the 1950s, Bradford Marine in the 1990s, Ginn Development in the 2000s and most recently Ross University, which he said is the best example of the two working together to achieve a goal. Russell said that not only is Grand Bahama strategically situated in relationship to the United States in terms of the wider and national global interest, but it also shares many significant areas. He made reference to the development of the recent sea port such as the port facilities, maritime transport and ship dry docking. There is also potential, he said, for areas in exploration and investing in infrastructural services. "The Bahamas and the Unites States have formed strong bilateral relationships that have benefited each country individually and in partnership," he said. "In terms of economic growth the integrity of our orders in research, training and cultural experiences, it is likely that the ties and experiences of our two countries will continue to strengthen to bring prosperity." Following Russell's remarks attendees were treated to a reenactment of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln by actors Larry and Mary Elliot as a special tribute to the late former US president. Friday, July 3, 2009