The United States on Saturday said that it continues to stand with the Bahamas as it celebrated its 48th anniversary of political independence from Great Britain.
“On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the Commonwealth of the Bahamas as you celebrate your independence,” said US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in a statement.
“The longstanding partnership between the United States and the Bahamas has never been stronger,” he added. “While the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged both our countries, our people have risen to that challenge.”
Blinken said while there is still “much to do” in the Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean, the United States will “remain a steadfast and reliable partner, as we work together to advance our shared priorities.
“We will stand with you as you continue to address the pandemic, as you rebuild from Hurricane Dorian, and as you work to support human rights in the region,” the US Secretary of State said.
“Efforts such as the US-Caribbean Resilience Partnership, the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative, and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative are testament to our willingness to bolster cooperation on renewable energy, regional security, and resilience to the climate crisis,” he added.
“On the occasion of your 48th year as an independent nation, the United States and its people wish the people of the Bahamas prosperity and happiness over the year to come,” Blinken continued.
The Bahamian archipelago – which includes more than 700 islands, cays and islets – is located north of Cuba, northwest of the island of Hispaniola and the Turks and Caicos Islands, southeast of the US state of Florida, and east of the Florida Keys.
The Bahamas, which became a British crown colony in 1718, obtained political independence in 1973 under the leadership of the late Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling.
Sir Lynden – who was born on March 22, 1929, and died on August 26, 2000 – is known as the “Father of the Nation.”
He led the Bahamas to majority rule on January 10, 1967, and to independence on July 10, 1973.
Sir Lynden – who was the first Black premier of the Bahamas from 1967 to 1969 – served as prime minister from 1969 to 1992.
CMC
