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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Mr. David Allens performs the national anthem of the United States of America.
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Guests Enjoy “A Salute to Broadway” Themed Event
Nassau, Bahamas - On Thursday, July 3, the United States Embassy commemorated the 238th Anniversary of Independence of the United States of America in a grand event co-hosted by the United States Northern Command at Liberty Overlook. The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman and his wife Elizabeth, along with Brigadier General Joseph Whitlock, Deputy Director for Strategy, policy and plans for Northern Command welcomed hundreds of invited guests to celebrate the occasion. Also on hand to commemorate the event, Governor General of The Bahamas, His Excellency Sir Arthur and Lady Foulkes and Acting Prime Minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, The Hon. Philip Davis. Other guests included the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, His Excellency Peter Beckingham accompanied by his wife, senior U.S and Bahamian government officials, representatives from the business community, civil society, media and the arts.
Presentation of Colors by U.S. Marine Corps Nassau Detachment.
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For the special evening, the front lawn of the Liberty Overlook was transformed to reflect this year’s theme, “A Salute to Broadway” with scenes of Broadway’s Theater District in New York City. Guests sampled tasty dishes with a New York style flair while enjoying the delightful sounds of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band, The Bahamas’ National Youth Choir and Ms. Anita MacDonald, who serenaded the audience with an array of Broadway show tunes.
During the official ceremony, outgoing U.S. Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman formally introduced his replacement Ms. Lisa Johnson who had previously served as the Director of the Office of Africa and the Middle East in the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. In her remarks and toast, Ms. Johnson highlighted the strong ties shared by the United States and The Bahamas, one of its closest neighbors.
U.S. officials greet Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Foulkes upon arrival at the reception.
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“I am proud to serve in The Bahamas, a country that shares the United States’ commitment to the ideals of freedom, democracy, and good governance that form the basis of our partnership. I look forward to helping to strengthen the robust security cooperation which is improving security for citizens of both our countries.” Ms. Johnson added, “We also will continue to work together on innovative solutions to spur economic development, advance social equality, and promote a clean and secure energy future for our region.”
In his remarks Brigadier General Whitlock celebrated the values America was founded on, ideals of liberty and democracy. He noted that for members of the military, the holiday has a special meaning as the servicemen and women have the privilege to serve their country. Brigadier Whitlock said USNORTHCOM is fortunate to have The Bahamas as a partner committed to defense and security.
Brigadier General Joseph Whitlock gives remarks during the formal ceremony.
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“The Bahamas remains the leading regional voice and our most relied-upon partner in the Caribbean region. And while we may be here today to celebrate the Unites States’ Independence, I can’t help but think of the significance of The Bahamas’ own independence celebrations next week. Truly, The Bahamas is more than our stalwart defense and security partner and our neighbor; we are brothers, both born and independence gained from the same mother.”
The Embassy’s Fourth of July celebration also included remarks and an official toast in salute to the bilateral partnership between both countries by outgoing Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, followed by cutting of the ceremonial cake. The evening’s festivities concluded with a spectacular fireworks display.
Incoming U.S. Charge d’Affaires Ms. Lisa Johnson greets Minister of Education The Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald on arrival at Liberty Overlook.
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The United States Embassy in Nassau wishes to thank its many sponsors for their continued support to help to make the annual Fourth of July celebration such a successful event.
Incoming U.S. Charge d’Affaires Lisa Johnson with the U.S Marine Corps Nassau Detachment.
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Incoming U.S. Charge d’Affaires Lisa Johnson delivers formal remarks and gives the official toast during the ceremony.
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U.S. and Bahamian officials participate in the cake cutting ceremony.
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Bahamas National Youth Choir performs Motown hits during the Fourth of July celebration.
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Bahamas National Youth Choir performs Motown hits during the Fourth of July celebration.
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Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band performs during the celebration.
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The Fourth of July celebration concludes with a spectacular fireworks display.
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