FREEPORT, Grand Bahama — US Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Bowers toured parts of Grand Bahama on Thursday, February 13, 2020 and said was pleased with the progress of recovery, adding that the US will continue to support The Bahamas during its recovery in the aftermath of the considerable devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian last September.
Ms. Bowers remarks came during a welcome reception on board the USS Bainbridge that called at Freeport Harbour, marking the first visit by a US naval ship to The Bahamas since the passage of Hurricane Dorian, The Tribune reported on February 17.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance K. Peter Turnquest, Minister of Finance, Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson, and Minister of State for Disaster Reconstruction Iram Lewis attended the reception held Thursday evening.
Also attending were Henry St George, vice president of the Grand Bahama Port Authority; ACP Samuel Butler and Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce President Greg Laroda.
The annual visit by a US naval vessel demonstrates the strong partnership, friendship, and close ties between the United States and The Bahamas. While in port, the men and women officers of the USS Bainbridge went to six primary schools and helped paint classrooms damaged by the storm, and also interacted with the students.
Ms Bowers commended Commander Devine and crew for continuing the tradition of giving back to the community whenever a navy ship calls at Grand Bahama.
She said: “The visit of the Bainbridge is a further testament to the bilateral relationship between the US and the Bahamas and the historically close economic, cultural, and social ties. It is fitting that the first visit by a US Navy ship to the Bahamas since the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Dorian is occurring here in Freeport.” See the full Tribune article at http://www.tribune242.com/news/2020/feb/14/us-charge-daffaires-pleased-grand-bahama-progress/
