NASSAU, Bahamas - Prime Minister Phillip Davis says he remains “genuinely excited” about the future relationship with the United States that is celebrating its 248 year of a “successful and thriving democracy” later this week.
Opening of new US Embassy in Bahamas“As we deepen our friendship, we must ensure that we maintain strategic alliances on key issues to protect our interests,” Davis said at a ceremony making the occasion. The US celebrates the anniversary of its independence on July 4.
“Our nations face similar issues in immigration and border control, and we also are both preparing for more extreme weather events due to worsening climate change. These are just two of the areas where we have the opportunity to work together for the common good,” Davis told the ceremony.
He said one of the most “important and sacred aspects of our relationship is our shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and human rights,” adding “these values are the bedrock of our societies, guiding our actions and shaping our futures.
“Together, we must continue to champion these principles, both within our borders and on the global stage. As we celebrate this milestone, let us also take a moment to reflect on the future we envision for our nations – a future where our collaboration leads to greater prosperity, security, and well-being for our citizens. A future where our shared values and goals continue to guide us toward a more just and equitable world.”
The ceremony coincided with the official opening of the US$318 million United States Embassy in the capital that Prime Minister Davis said “represents our commitment to mutually beneficial ties between our nations.
“It is a symbol of our enduring friendship as neighbours, as allies in pursuit of a better world, and as collaborators building a brighter and better future together.”
The principal deputy director of Overseas Buildings Operations, J. Douglas Dykhouse, said ‘this new facility is the United States’ physical commitment to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Caribbean region.
“We take this Fourth of July celebration to recognize how far this project has come and how close we are to completion. From the construction contract signing in December 2018 to the groundbreaking in October 2019 to the topping out ceremony in … 2021 we have worked through Hurricane Dorian, the COVID pandemic to get where we are today and we will continue to work hard to get the embassy staff into this building by the end of the year.”
The project has local investment estimated at US$80 million and Dykhouse said the new facility is a model for energy and water efficiency and climate resilience.
“The art collection is a true cross-cultural collaboration featuring works by both US and Bahamian artists. Of note, our wood sculptures including this one that you see; it’s a 200-year-old tamarind tree that we took from the site, transformed to promote conversations about storytelling and Bahamian mythology.
“This facility is what providing the most effective facilities for US diplomacy looks like.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the embassy also marked the first official event of Kimberly Furnish, the new US charge d’Affaires.
“As I look on at this new US Embassy, I see many things. I see the next 50 years of friendship. I see a physical symbol of the United States. I see an investment in The Bahamas. I see a partnership more than worthy of celebrating tonight. I see our shared future,” the diplomat added.
