Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening,
It is a great honour to join you this evening to celebrate the 248th anniversary of the United States’ Independence.
On behalf of the Bahamian people, we wish the people of the USA a Happy Independence. As we join you in celebrating 248 years of a successful and thriving democracy, I also extend a warm welcome to the new Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish and thank the U.S. Embassy for hosting this event, affording us this moment to celebrate with one another.
This evening is particularly special as we gather to cut the ribbon for this beautiful new Embassy here in Downtown Nassau.
This new building 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.
As we reflect on tonight’s theme, “Our Shared Future,” I am reminded of the countless ways our nations have supported each other over the years. Whether in the aftermath of our deepest tragedies or through collaborative efforts to protect our borders, the United States has always been a steadfast ally to The Bahamas.
When hurricanes ravaged our islands, leaving destruction and despair in their wake, the United States was there, providing vital aid, resources, and support.
I can’t help but think of the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson who said, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” The US has been a true friend to The Bahamas.
Moving forward, we will undoubtedly continue to maintain close ties – and not just diplomatic ties but social, cultural, and economic ties as well.
Many Bahamians visit the US on an annual basis – multiple times per year. And, if you were to add up all the US citizens who visit The Bahamas each year, you’d get a number that is far higher than our population.
Our nations are truly intertwined.
I am genuinely excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the US and The Bahamas. As we deepen our friendship, we must ensure that we maintain strategic alliances on key issues to protect our interests.
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.
One of the most important and sacred aspects of our relationship is our shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and human rights. 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.
Together, we can achieve great things and ensure a prosperous future for both our nations.
Thank you, and once again, Happy Independence!