Pictured: Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville (right) officially welcomes US Embassy charge d’affaires Lisa Johnson to Grand Bahama August 28. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)

Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville August 28 officially welcomed to Grand Bahama Lisa Johnson, who recently assumed duties as charge d’affaires of the US Embassy in Nassau.

Johnson was making her first official visit to Grand Bahama. Minister Darville said that Johnson’s visit demonstrated the US’s commitment to working with all of the islands of The Bahamas.

“As the Minister for Grand Bahama, I am excited about the possibilities this island has in becoming a leader in the industrial and maritime sectors. Grand Bahama’s strategic location, state-of-the-art infrastructure and man-made harbour make this island a force to be reckoned with.”

“Therefore, I am extremely happy that Ms Johnson has decided to visit our island, to get a bird’s eye view of what Grand Bahama has to offer in terms of investment opportunities,” he stated.

He told her that during her visit it is hoped that she will see why Grand Bahama Island has established a first-class reputation as a major maritime and transshipment center.

“In touring our island and its industrial zone, you will see that our maritime industry encompasses a wide range of sectors including ship registry, ship and mega yacht repair, oil transshipment and storage, and international cargo transshipment.

“You will also note that Freeport boasts of a world-class international airport capable of handling the largest aircrafts in service, and an international business and logistics park for value-added and cargo handling activities.”

“We believe that Grand Bahama Island has a lot of potential to develop its natural resources and is poised to become a global shipping and business center in preparation for the opening of the expanded Panama Canal in early 2015.”

Johnson said she was happy to be in Grand Bahama and to meet with the many partners that the US Embassy works hand-in-hand with on many issues of mutual interests.

She stated that she looked forward to meeting with Minister Darville on matters of mutual interests including the safety and security of citizens of both of their countries as well as economic development.

“Again, I am very happy to be here and to learn more about this great city, which has a long history of American presence. I look forward to many more visits with you all and to strengthening our partnership and engagement here in Grand Bahama,” she said.