The Hon. A. Kenneth Russell, Minister of Housing, joined U.S. Ambassador Nicole Avant in a special celebration at Freeport on Wednesday June 30 to mark the U.S.'s 234th Independence Anniversary. The celebration took place onboard the U.S. Navy Ship USS Truxtun, which was docked at the Lucayan Harbour. Pictured from left to right are: General Brian Goodwin; Georgina Russell, wife of Mr. Russell; Hon. A. Kenneth Russell; Commander John Ferguson, USS Truxtun; Ambassador Avant, and her husband Ted Sarandos; and Major General Lawrence Stutzriem, United States Air Force. (BIS Photo by Vandyke Hepburn)
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – Minister for Housing, the Honourable A. Kenneth Russell assured the United States’ top diplomat in The Bahamas that the two countries share much similarities including respect for human rights and freedoms.
Mr. Russell was representing The Bahamas on the occasion of the United States of America’s 234 Independence Anniversary Celebrations.
A special celebration was held at the Lucayan Harbour in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island on Wednesday, June 30 onboard the U.S. Navy Ship USS Truxtun. U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas, Her Excellency Nicole A. Avant hosted a special Independence Reception onboard the ship.
Mr. Russell, who was filling in for Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Brent Symonette, brought greetings of behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas.
He told the Ambassador and the special invited guests attending the reception that the cordial and friendly relations between The Bahamas and the United States of America predate the formal establishment of diplomatic relations on July 10, 1973, when The Bahamas gained its independence from Great Britain.
“Our relations are founded on and guided by the same ideals of self determination, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and freedoms,” Mr. Russell stated.
He noted that these relations have gone from strength to strength on all facets and not least in the areas of tourism, business, security, education, sports and culture and regional cooperation.
“Bahamas/United States relations are also a model, worthy of international best practice for conflict resolution among states of whatever size, as well as for resolution of common challenges in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
“Given the rich and strong tapestry of Bahamas/United States relations, there is even room for more mutually beneficial partnerships. The challenges of the dawn of the Twenty-First Century already re-affirm the interdependence irrespective of size or resources, is indispensable for sustainable results.
“My Government, therefore, reiterates our commitment to deepening the existing relations with the Government of the United States, confident in our shared aspiration for a future which is bright for both our peoples,” the Housing Minister said.
He stressed that attaining two hundred and thirty four years of independence, is evident that our friend the United States is already a shinning example to that end.
