NASSAU, Bahamas, July 1, 2024 — The $318 million United States Embassy was formally unveiled in Downtown Nassau on Friday evening as officials and guests celebrated the United States of America’s 248th independence in grand fashion, The Nassau Guardian reported today in an article written by Executive Editor Candia Dames.
“This new facility is the United States’ physical commitment to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Caribbean region,” said J. Douglas Dykhouse, Principal Deputy Director of Overseas Buildings Operations. We take this Fourth of July celebration to recognize how far this project has come and how close we are to completion.
“From the construction contract signing in December 2018 to the groundbreaking in October 2019 to the topping out ceremony in … 2021 we have worked through Hurricane Dorian, the COVID pandemic to get where we are today and we will continue to work hard to get the embassy staff into this building by the end of the year.”
The project has an $80 million estimated local investment.
“This new facility is a model for energy and water efficiency and climate resilience,” Dykhouse added. “Well-insulated equipment saves energy while solar panels provide power. Rainwater collection will conserve water that will be used for the cooling system. Waste water is treated onsite and used to irrigate the vegetation that you see, and the durable materials that we used throughout will endure the test of time and will ensure that we do not have to replace them very often.”
He added, “The art collection is a true cross-cultural collaboration featuring works by both US and Bahamian artists. Of note, our wood sculptures including this one that you see; it’s a 200-year-old tamarind tree that we took from the site, transformed to promote conversations about storytelling and Bahamian mythology.
“This facility is what providing the most effective facilities for US diplomacy looks like.”
The facility, which sits on five-acres, was designed by Ennead Architects, and its architect of record is Integrus Architecture. Caddell Construction is the design/build contractor.Officials said the new embassy serves as a physical representation of the significant relationship between the United States and The Bahamas and the Caribbean region, reflecting a strong partnership that impacts trade, security, cultural exchange, and environmental cooperation.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the embassy also marked the first official event of Kimberly Furnish, the new US charge d’Affaires, a New Orleans native, who arrived in The Bahamas four days prior.
“As I look on at this new US Embassy, I see many things,” Furnish said.
“I see the next 50 years of friendship. I see a physical symbol of the United States. I see an investment in The Bahamas. I see a partnership more than worthy of celebrating tonight. I see our shared future.”
Prime Minister Philip Davis also said the new building “represents our commitment to mutually beneficial ties between our nations”.
“It is a symbol of our enduring friendship as neighbors, as allies in pursuit of a better world, and as collaborators building a brighter and better future together,” Davis said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell said the building has inspired Bahamians.
“As we commission this building this evening, I want to tell you that we and The Bahamas are inspired in our commitment to build our new parliamentary building which will be over to the left. It’s going to be about 10 stories high. We’re going to make sure of that, but thank you for inspiring us to do that.”
Bahamas Ambassador to the United States Wendall Jones, the former CEO of Jones Communications, who sold several properties to the Americas for the embassy, was also at the ribbon-cutting event.
Jones’ business operations had been at the site from 1990 to 2016.
Lynden Pindling, who later as prime minister led The Bahamas to independence, had had his law offices at that location, as did Randol Fawkes, the late Bahamian politician, trade unionist and lawyer whose decision in 1967 to side with the Progressive Liberal Party led to historic Majority Rule.
“I was happy to be a part of selling the properties to the Americans. I had three properties in that area,” said Jones, speaking with The Nassau Guardian.
“… They (the Americans) did extremely well and I’m happy to have been a part of making that happen. Some people believe that the site should have been a site that belongs to the government of The Bahamas, but the Americans, I think they have enhanced our city by the establishment of the embassy there, and if we are able to develop our parliamentary complex and build the courts on adjacent land, I think New Providence would have a hell of a city.
“It is extremely beneficial for city properties and Bahamians generally to have such a large embassy here. I’m sure it will be well appointed. I’ve been to other Caribbean countries and other countries in South America and there’s nothing else like that built by the Americans.”
During the event, Mitchell and Davis welcomed Furnish to The Bahamas.
Furnish said, “The US and The Bahamas have done great things together and it is my intention to ensure that our relationship remains ironclad.
“Security cooperation remains the foundation of our relationship. American law enforcement and US military personnel work together with our counterparts across the Bahamian government to curb irregular migration and the illegal flow of drugs.”
She said the cultural closeness between the two nations remains as prominent today as it has ever been.
Furnish added, “An ever closer economic relationship remains essential to both our nations. My team and I, with all of you, will continue to work so that prosperity from Alaska to Abraham’s Bay, reaches all our shores to drive home the message that the United States and The Bahamas are open for business.”
Davis told the audience The United States and The Bahamas will undoubtedly continue to maintain close ties – and not just diplomatic ties but social, cultural, and economic ties as well.
“I am genuinely excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the US and The Bahamas. As we deepen our friendship, we must ensure that we maintain strategic alliances on key issues to protect our interests,” he said.
“Our nations face similar issues in immigration and border control, and we also are both preparing for more extreme weather events due to worsening climate change. These are just two of the areas where we have the opportunity to work together for the common good.”
The Prime Minister added, “One of the most important and sacred aspects of our relationship is our shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and human rights. These values are the bedrock of our societies, guiding our actions and shaping our futures. Together, we must continue to champion these principles, both within our borders and on the global stage.”
NOTE: Photos by Dante Carrer/The Tribune
