US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Ms. Lisa Johnson, officially welcomed to Grand Bahama by Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
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Minister for Grand Bahama, the Honourable Dr. Michael Darville on August 28 officially welcomed to Grand Bahama Ms. Lisa Johnson, who recently assumed duties as Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy, in Nassau.
Ms. Johnson was making her first official visit to Grand Bahama. Minister Darville said that Ms. Johnson’s visit demonstrated the United States of America’s commitment to working with all of the Islands of The Bahamas.
“As the Minister for Grand Bahama, I am excited about the possibilities this island has in becoming a leader in the industrial and maritime sectors. Grand Bahama’s strategic location, state of the art infrastructure and man-made harbour, which happens to be one of the largest harbours in the world and the deepest in this region, make this island a force to be reckoned with.
“Therefore, I am extremely happy that Ms. Johnson has decided to visit our island, to get a bird’s eye view of what Grand Bahama has to offer in terms of investment opportunities,” he stated.
He told her that during her visit it is hoped that she will see why Grand Bahama Island has established a first-class reputation as a major maritime and transshipment center.
“In touring our island and its industrial zone, you will see that our maritime industry encompasses a wide range of sectors including ship registry, ship and mega yacht repair, oil transshipment and storage, and international cargo transshipment. You will also note that Freeport boasts of a world-classinternational airport capable of handling the largest aircrafts in service, and an international business and logistics park for value-added and cargo handling activities. We believe that Grand Bahama Island has a lot of potential to develop
its natural resources and is poised to become a global shipping and business centerin preparation for the opening of the expanded Panama Canal in early 2015. Minister Darville stated, “Ms. Johnson, as you take in the sights and all that Grand Bahama has to offer, we would appreciate your valuable input as we realize there is always room for growth and further development; and as a result of the bilateral diplomatic ties between our countries, I trust that our meeting today will only serve to strengthen the existing relationship that we have with The United States of America, through the equal exchange of information, and creation of valuable opportunities in the areas of education, trade expansion, transference of technical expertise and knowledge in the tourism, maritime & industrial, and energy sectors,” the Minister said.Ms. Johnson said she was happy to be in Grand Bahama and to meet with the many partners that the U.S. Embassy works hand-in-hand with on many issues of mutual interests.She informed that on Wednesday night during a special reception at Pelican Bay she had the chance to meet a number of Americans doing business in Grand Bahama along with Bahamian business people and law enforcement officials, members of civil society and the media. “From what I heard last evening, the future of our partnership with people in Grand Bahama is bright and I look forward to continuing that partnership,” she said.
Likewise she stated that she looked forward to meeting with Minister Darville on matters of mutual interests including the safety and security of citizens of both of their countries as well as economic development.
“Again, I am very happy to be here and to learn more about this great city which has a long history of American presence. I look forward to many more visits with you all and to strengthening our partnership and engagement here in Grand Bahama,” she stated. (BIS Photos/Vandyke Hepburn)
