Press Release
Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell reaffirmed the enduring bond between The Bahamas and its diaspora in South Florida while introducing Prime Minister Philip Davis at the Bahamas Independence Church Service held on Sunday, 26 July, at the Church of the Incarnation Episcopal in Miami.
Addressing Bahamians, members of the diplomatic corps, clergy, and government officials, Minister Mitchell welcomed Prime Minister Davis and the Bahamian delegation, including parliamentary colleagues, senators, diplomatic representatives, and Foreign Affairs officials.
“It is always good to be back here,” Minister Mitchell said as he acknowledged the clergy, community leaders, and members of the Bahamian diaspora gathered for the annual celebration.
Reflecting on Prime Minister Davis’ journey to national leadership, Mitchell recalled conversations from decades ago about the Prime Minister’s future.
“It has been a long journey since those early discussions at Government House about your future,” he said. “Today, we celebrate not only how far you have come but the leadership you now provide to our nation.”
The Minister thanked the staff of the Bahamas Consulate General in Miami and all those who organized the weekend’s Independence celebrations, including the awards banquet held the previous evening. He suggested that future observances formally pair the awards banquet with the Independence Church Service to create a signature annual celebration for the Bahamian community in South Florida.
Noting that this marked approximately his 24th appearance at the Miami Independence celebrations since first becoming Foreign Affairs Minister in 2002, Mitchell described South Florida as home to the largest Bahamian community outside The Bahamas.
With an estimated 57,000 people claiming Bahamian ancestry in the United States, he emphasized that the diaspora remains an essential pillar of The Bahamas’ foreign policy.
“Our relationship with the diaspora is mutually beneficial,” he said. “The strength of The Bahamas’ reputation abroad benefits every Bahamian, while Bahamians living overseas continue to reach back and support the country they love.”
Acknowledging the challenges created by today’s immigration environment, Mitchell stressed that the Government remains committed to strengthening the ties between The Bahamas and its citizens abroad.
The Minister also reflected on the previous evening’s recognition of outstanding Bahamians, including Keith Glinton, Philip Simon, Aisha Bowe, Avril Cherasard, Dr. Vena Symonette-Johnson, Hartley Thompson, and Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell. He paid special tribute to Avril Cherasard for her role in reviving the Goombay Festival.
“What stood out most,” he said, “was that each honouree spoke about the values they learned growing up in The Bahamas. Their stories demonstrated that, despite different paths in life, Bahamians are grounded in a shared moral and ethical foundation.”
Minister Mitchell said those same values are reflected in the leadership of Prime Minister Philip Davis.
“We are fortunate to have at the helm of our country a leader committed to uplifting the poor, pursuing justice and equity for all, regardless of race, colour, or creed, and defending those who cannot defend themselves,” he said.
He added that at a time when the imbalance of power between large and small nations continues to grow and moral persuasion alone often appears insufficient, The Bahamas benefits from the Prime Minister’s patience, steadiness, and commitment to principled leadership.
Concluding his remarks, Minister Mitchell urged Bahamians everywhere to remain faithful to the values that define the nation.
“I encourage Bahamians everywhere to uphold the principles that shaped us and to use our voices in defence of our country, our people, and our right to determine our own future,” he said.
Minister Mitchell then invited Prime Minister Philip Davis to address the congregation as the keynote speaker for the Independence Church Service.
The post Minister Mitchell Highlights Enduring Bahamas-Florida Ties and Introduces Prime Minister Davis at Miami Independence Church Service appeared first on ZNS BAHAMAS.
