NASSAU, The Bahamas – The exchange of gifts and a commitment to resolving the controversial issue surrounding two Cuban dentists detainees verified the close bond between The Bahamas and Florida.
During an official visit by Florida Governor Jeb Bush last Monday, February 20, Prime Minister the Rt Hon Perry Christie pledged The Bahamas Government’s commitment to resolving the issue, which has gained international attention.
Emerging from a private meeting at Cabinet Office, the Prime Minister, in a joint press conference reported that he and Governor Bush held frank discussions as to the challenges ahead on various issues of import to both sides.
“The governor reinforced what we know to be a strong relationship between the United States of America and the Government of The Bahamas, that already manifest itself in the sharing of American resources and assisting us to protect the territorial integrity of The Bahamas,” Mr. Christie said.
Responding, Governor Bush said, “I appreciate you listening to us as it relates to the (Cuban) detainees. The relationship that we have – the United States and The Bahamas – is very important and this has gotten quite a bit of attention and the fact that you would listen to our concerns suggests that you would act is something and I am very grateful for it.”
He continued: “One thing is certain and that is that whatever is impacting Florida on any given time is also impacting The Bahamas and vice versa. We are tied together by history, by culture, by geography and the relationship that we have while strong, can only get stronger with mutual cooperation.”
Discussions covered Bahamas-Florida relations, education, LNG proposal, and the position of the two Cuban dentists detained at the Detention Centre, who have visas to enter the United States.
“The meeting, to my mind was frank and purposeful. We have clearly developed a degree of understanding on the educational challenges of The Bahamas and the manner in which we should go about working with Florida and the institution of Florida and the Governor’s office in improving and strengthening our relationship,” the Prime Minister said.
As regards LNG, he said that clearly a decision is necessary in moving ahead, the valuable resources that Florida is looking forward to receiving ad to the great benefit of The Bahamas.
“Most certainly we have agreed, both with respect to LNG and matters of immigration and detainees to establish a better and stronger relationship that will enable us to make decisions much more quickly the benefit of both countries,” the Prime Minister said.
The Virginia-based AES Corp is proposing to build a $600million LNG plant by laying a 54-mile, 24-inch diameter LNG pipe between Ocean Cay off southern Bimini and Dania Beach, Florida.
“We spoke to the governor, specifically, about assistance in establishing a regulatory regime that would govern any such facility in The Bahamas, and again to have a shared approach towards regulating the industry as they would have to do on the Florida end and as we in turn on The Bahamas end,” the Prime Minister said.
Governor Bush left the expectation on the table that The Bahamas Government would address, aggressively, his concerns about the determination of the two Cuban detainees.
“He has assurance from us that as we speak, we are in the process of bringing the matter to a conclusion and in the best interest of all concerned and consistent with the national interest of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas Government,” the Prime Minister said.
Governor Bush too acknowledged that it was a very frank and cordial conservation.
“I learned a lot in getting your perspective on issues of mutual importance,” he told the Prime Minister said.
Mr. Bush was also receptive of a suggestion made by Prime Minister Christie regarding a joint meeting of environmental regulators in order to achieve a totally transparent system should the LNG proposal be agreed to.
