From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Bahamas Information Services Updates
Remarks by Minister of Foreign Affairs - 121st Philippines Independence Day
Jun 18, 2019 - 12:09:52 PM


REMARKS

BY

THE HON. DARREN A. HENFIELD, MP,

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS,


ON THE OCCASION OF


THE CELEBRATION OF

THE 121st INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

GRAND HYATT, BAHA MAR CONVENTION CENTRE

NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS

 16 JUNE, 2019

REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE DARREN A. HENFIELD, MP

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS

ON THE OCCASION OF THE

121ST INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

BAHA MAR CONVENTION CENTRE, NEW PROVIDENCE, THE BAHAMAS


Amend salutation to suit current audience

Colleague Ministers and Parliamentarians,

Friends from the Filipino Community,

Senior Public Service Officials,

Special Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon.
 
This celebration brings the Filipino and Bahamian communities together to commemorate one of the most notable national days of the Republic of the Philippines.  Although the official Independence Day was actually celebrated on Wednesday 12 June, I wish to thank you for organizing this event in The Bahamas, allowing us (my family and fellow citizens) the opportunity to celebrate with you; the Filipino community. 

Proclaiming your independence from the Spanish Empire on 12 June, 1898 following the culmination of the  Philippine Revolution is indeed a memorable occasion that ought to be celebrated by all Filipinos.  Your country has made great strides following independence.  It is celebrations such as this that encourage you to recall and reflect upon the remarkable achievements of your country since its transition to an independent republic.

The theme, ‘My roots, my heritage resonates strongly in the Filipino community and your presence here today depicts your national pride and patriotism to your homeland.  As citizens of the Republic of the Philippines, you ought to be proud of your country’s role as a founding member of the United Nations (UN) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).  Likewise, you ought to be proud to belong to such an industrious country that has formed strong diplomatic ties with countries around the world.  Further, you should also be proud of your country’s advances in the areas export and trade with economies around the world.  The manufacturing and subsequent export of refined copper, electronic and technological devices indicate that you are an industrious and talented people. 
 
On this occasion, I would like to cite several similarities shared by The Bahamas and the Philippines and also highlight accomplishments in testament to our diplomatic relations.  The Bahamas and the Republic of the Philippines established diplomatic relations during late 1975 and early 1976 via the Permanent Missions to the UN.  To date, our Ambassador in China continues to maintain our diplomatic ties with the Philippines and countries of Asia.

We share common traits as former colonies of notable monarchs.  Likewise, our geographical make up as an archipelago sets us apart as unique sovereign nations and has placed us among the five original archipelagic states in the world.  In similar fashion, our culture mimics each other.  Like you, Bahamians are very proud and greatly appreciate their roots and heritage.  We also look forward to festivities to celebrate our culture and rich historic past.    

Ladies and gentlemen of the Filipino community,

I take this opportunity to congratulate you on the celebration of one hundred and twenty one (121) years of independence.  Further, I extend best wishes to your President, Government and people of the Republic of the Philippines in this regard. 

Thank you.



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