The U.S. Bahamian Partnership is as Strong as Ever

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – A top U.S. Embassy official is insisting that the bond remains strong between the U.S. and The Bahamas, even as global tensions continue to build.

U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission addressed a range of issues, while reaffirming the partnership between the two countries.

From global relations, to national security, and healthcare, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission, Kimberly Furnish opened up about The Bahamas’ current relationship with the U.S.

Kimberly Furnish – Deputy Chief of Mission, United States Embassy

“ you know, obviously there’s a lot going, going on in the world today. The, the U.S. – Bahamian partnership is as strong as ever, right?
We have an inherent cultural tie and love for one another, and, um, we’re here to work together, right? We’re, we’re closest of neighbors and, you know the Bahamians have been incredibly supportive of helping to keep America safe, strong, and prosperous. We share a border, we keep each other safe. Keeping America safe means keeping The Bahamas safe.”)

Furnish did not shy about reaffirming the close ties between the United States and The Bahamas.

We caught up with her on the sidelines of a press conference at the John Watlings Distillery this Thursday morning.

Furnish was also asked about the recent police-involved killing of a U.S. Pike worker, Cody Castillo.

Furnish expressed condolences and pointed to what she described as a fair investigation by local authorities.

She also stood by recent statements by U.S. Ambassador, Herschel Walker.

Kimberly Furnish – Deputy Chief of Mission, United States Embassy

“ we are really, really grateful to the Bahamian government and to the police force. Especially for their work in a fair and safe investigation of this matter. And of course, our hearts and condolences go out to the family and the, and particularly the widow of Cody Castillo. We’ll continue to watch this case and, , and are certain that the Bahamian government can bring this case to justice.”)

On the healthcare front, Furnish also gave an update on negotiations with the U.S over hiring Cuban healthcare workers to help address human resource challenges.

Kimberly Furnish – Deputy Chief of Mission, United States Embassy

“ we had a good meeting with ministry of health recently and they are working hard to move forward in, in working towards abolishing tho those issues here in The Bahamas. Of course, the us sees that as a, a human rights issue. We do see The Bahamas working towards goals on that, on those measures and, we’ll continue to watch that space.”

She was also asked about the U.S. being considered to provide funding for a new hospital.

However, the government of The Bahamas went in a different direction and entered a $283M agreement with China International Development Cooperation agency (CIDCA) to construct the new 200-bed new providence specialty hospital.

Kimberly Furnish – Deputy Chief of Mission, United States Embassy

“  I’d say, you know, us investment is, is, is the best right. Western investment, uh, investment that comes with no. No strings attached is what I’ll say. So we’ll continue to be there before the bahamas. There’sopportunities via XM Bank and other us funding and of course, private us investment, um, is what makes both of our economies grow. “