By Kaitlyn Babb Guardian Staff Reporter,Torrell Glinton
Copyright thenassauguardian
On Thursday morning, American and Bahamian dignitaries attended a flag raising ceremony for the new $227 million US Embassy compound, signifying the deep ties between the United States and The Bahamas.
Located on Shirley Street, the new solar-powered, five-acre compound opened to the public on September 2 after breaking ground in 2019.
US Charge d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish said yesterday that the new embassy is a symbol of the strong relationship between The Bahamas and the United States.
“I am so proud to finally say welcome to the brand new United States Embassy right here in Nassau, Bahamas,” Furnish said at the ceremony.
“It’s been over six years since we broke ground, almost $300 million in execution, and over 50 years since the start of our diplomatic relations.
“Now we finally have an embassy building that matches the strength, that matches the beauty of the relationship between the United States of America and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, at last.
“Our nations are the closest of neighbors, closest of friends and the closest of family, and that bond, that close partnership creates the foundation for the collaboration that makes both of our nations safer.”
The embassy hosts US officials from the Department of State, the Department of Justice, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of the Treasury.
In her remarks, Furnish thanked the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force for their dedication to providing thorough law enforcement services.
“Our law enforcement partnership extends well beyond our beautiful new embassy,” Furnish said.
“Out on the seas, the 43-year-old Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos is a 24/7 operation center run out of this beautiful facility.
“They’re out there fighting narco-trafficking every day and every night in this region.
“Our comprehensive maritime agreement, which is over 20 years old, partners our United States Coast Guard with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the defense force, and the Department of Immigration to combat the legal migration in the region.
“Beyond the sandy beaches of The Bahamas, international criminal organizations continue to threaten each of our communities.
“I am so proud to see the amazing progress on the formation of a specialized law enforcement unit that will combat and disrupt these nefarious actors.”
During his speech at the ceremony, Prime Minister Philip Davis called the flag raising a public reaffirmation of friendship.
He said the embassy will serve not only as an office for official business, but also as a place where cooperation will deepen.
“It tells the people of The Bahamas that the United States is here, and will remain here, as a partner and as a friend who stands with us in good times and in hard times,” Davis said.
“Our two nations have walked together for many decades. We have stood together after storms and disasters. We have worked together to keep our seas safe, to guard against crime, and to strengthen our borders.”
He added, “Families cross between our two nations. Commerce and trade flow between our islands and your cities. Our young people grow up watching, learning, and sharing. Through it all, there has always been a sense that America is a neighbor and a friend. That is why today carries such weight.
“The raising of the United States flag over this new embassy is a public reaffirmation of friendship.
Davis continued: “Our police, defense force, and law enforcement agencies work shoulder-to-shoulder with their American colleagues.
“These are partnerships that save lives and protect communities.”
