The Bahamas Maintains Tier 1 Status in 2022 State Department Report on Trafficking In Persons (TIP)

The Government of The Bahamas fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. The government continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts during the reporting period considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore, The Bahamas remained on Tier 1. These efforts included: Convicting a trafficker Providing support for …

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U.S. Embassy Celebrates 246th Independence aboard USS Lassen (DDG 82) during Port Visit to Nassau

From Sea to Shining Sea: U.S. Embassy Celebrates 246th Independence aboard USS Lassen (DDG 82) during Port Visit to Nassau On July 1, 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau celebrated the 246th Independence Day anniversary of the United States of America aboard the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USS Lassen (DDG 82), while …

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Why The Rainbow Flag?

By Brian A. Nichols Brian A. Nichols is the Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the United States Department of State  When my grandparents emigrated to the United States from Barbados, they didn’t know if they would manage to make a life for themselves in the U.S.  They certainly never imagined their …

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USNORTHCOM Collaborates with the National Emergency Management Agency of The Bahamas on a National Disaster Response Exercise

On behalf of the U.S. government, U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and The Bahamas’ National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) concluded Restoration Island Cays, an annual whole-of-government disaster response exercise, last week. This is the fourth iteration of Restoration Island Cays, which tests The Bahamas’ response to a Category 5 Hurricane impacting the nation. In the National Emergency Operations Centre, NEMA staff workedwith personnel …

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USNORTHCOM Delivers Third Kitchen Unit for Disaster Response to the National Emergency Management Agency of The Bahamas

On behalf of the U.S. government, U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) recently delivered a third temporary kitchen unit to The Bahamas’ National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), prior to the start of the 2022 Hurricane Season. The kitchen unit, which is intended for use by NEMA following a disaster, valued at nearly $260,000, will augment the temporary …

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U.S. Embassy Celebrates LGBTQI+ Pride Month in June

Nassau, The Bahamas | June 1, 2022 On June 1, 2022, the United States Embassy in Nassau raised the rainbow Pride Flag to support the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons in The Bahamas and around the world.  The Embassy joins U.S. Embassies in more than 100 countries in flying the rainbow flag.  As President Biden …

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Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols Makes Bahamas First Stop of Caribbean Tour

Nassau, The Bahamas | May 24, 2022 The United States Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Ambassador Brian A. Nichols visited The Bahamas on May 22-24. His visit emphasized the high priority of The Bahamas within the region, and the importance of the enduring partnership between the United States and The Bahamas.  Assistant …

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United States Joins The Bahamas, in Commemorating HMBS Flamingo

On Tuesday, May 10, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Usha E. Pitts and Major General Christopher Callahan of the Rhode Island National Guard joined Acting Prime Minister the Honourable Chester Cooper, Minister of National Security the Honourable Wayne Munroe, and the Commander Defence Force Commodore Dr. Raymond King at the Coral Harbour base in Nassau to commemorate …

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USS Porter Visits Nassau

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter visited the port of Nassau, The Bahamas, April 3-7, with a crew of 338 officers. The ship’s arrival marked the first time a U.S. Navy vessel has visited The Bahamas since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The port visit began with a high-level reception aboard USS Porter co-hosted by …

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US Helps Make Corrections Safer; Donates State-of-the-Art Body Scanner, X-Ray Machine, and Radio Equipment

The United States delivered nearly $300,000 of advanced imaging and scanning technology and radio equipment to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) Facility in Nassau. The donation is part of a long-term collaboration between the U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement and BDCS to strengthen Bahamian law enforcement capabilities and make …

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First in the World: TSA PreCheck Now at LPIA

On Thursday, February 24, the United States and The Bahamas jointly announced the first U.S. Transportation Security Administration TSA PreCheck® lane ever to be established outside of the United States, at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau, The Bahamas.  TSA PreCheck will make The Bahamas an even more attractive destination for Americans, who comprise …

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Updated Travel Requirements for International Air Passengers

Starting Monday, December 6 (at 12:01am), all travelers flying to the United States will be required to show evidence of a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than *one day* before travel—or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days—before boarding their flight.  A rapid antigen test is acceptable. Please …

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U.S. Coast Guard District 7 Commander Visits Bahamas; U.S. Delivers $200K Boat to RBDF

On November 30, Admiral Brendan McPherson, Seventh District Commander based in Miami, made his first official visit to The Bahamas to strengthen the bilateral maritime law enforcement partnership with the government of The Bahamas. While on New Providence, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Usha Pitts, accompanied by Admiral McPherson, officially delivered a 30-ft. Contender boat valued at …

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U.S. Delivers $255,000 in Health Equipment to The Bahamas

USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean Regional Representative Mr. Clinton D. White, on behalf of the United States government, donated a total of $255,000 worth of health equipment to The Bahamas at the Public Hospital’s Authority, on November 22, 2021. Minister of Health the Honourable Dr. Michael Darville received the donation on behalf of The Bahamas. …

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U.S. Embassy Delivers Another 134,550 Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Doses to The Bahamas

The United States has delivered another shipment of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses to The Bahamas, making good on the Biden Administration’s promise to share vaccines with the world. On the afternoon of Wednesday, November 3, 2021, a total of 134,550 doses arrived from the United States to Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau. Minister …

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The Bahamas Becomes the First Caribbean Country to Join the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate Initiative

U.S. Embassy Nassau and the Government of The Bahamas are pleased to announce the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs decision to join the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) initiative.  The Bahamas is the first country in the Caribbean to take this bold step to address climate change through …

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U.S. Embassy Graduates 132 Female Bahamian Entrepreneurs

The United States Embassy in Nassau, in partnership with the Access Accelerator, Small Business Development Centre of The Bahamas (SBDC) officially graduated 132 Bahamian female entrepreneurs on the evening of September 8, during a pre-recorded video message broadcast on social media.  The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is a U.S. State Department program started in 2019, …

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U.S. Embassy Commemorates 20th Anniversary of 9/11

U.S. Embassy Nassau and Americans worldwide paused to mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and mourn the nearly 3,000 lives taken too soon.The people who perished in the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and Shanksville—including the heroic first responders who gave their lives to help others—left behind loved ones and communities who were never …

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U.S. Embassy Delivers 128,700 Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccines to The Bahamas

NASSAU – On the morning of Thursday, August 12, the United States delivered 128,7000 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses to The Bahamas, making good on the promises of the Biden-Harris Administration’s global vaccine sharing framework. Prime Minister the Most Honourable Dr. Hubert Minnis and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Usha E. Pitts were on the tarmac at Jet Aviation, ready to receive the delivery of this first tranche …

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U.S. Donates $1.1 Million-Worth of Police Vehicles to RBPF

On July 29, the United States government formally donated 20 new Ford Police Interceptor hybrid SUVs to assist the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) routine police operations throughout The Bahamas. The 20 Interceptors will be utilized in Nassau, Grand Bahama, and the Abaco Islands, and will replenish part of the fleet that was lost during …

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U.S. Embassy Supports LGBTQI+ Community

Throughout the month of June, the United States Embassy in Nassau joined other U.S. Embassies around the world – from Kingston to Moscow – in raising the rainbow Pride flag over our buildings and residences. We were often joined by other western Embassies in a combined effort to raise awareness of the human rights of …

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U.S. Embassy Delivers Renewable Energy Tech, STEM Curriculum to Local School

On March 24, 2021 the U.S. Embassy delivered sustainable energy technology and curriculum to St. John’s College in Nassau. The donation underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to spreading innovative approaches to combatting climate change, and to helping children learn about sustainability while also teaching valuable Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills. The Embassy partnered …

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U.S. Donates BioFire COVID-19 Rapid Diagnostic Machine to Ministry of Health

On March 9, 2021 U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Usha E. Pitts participated in the official handing-over ceremony of the BioFire FilmArray Torch infectious disease diagnostic machine. Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, the largest public health facility in The Bahamas, has installed the BioFire machine in its laboratory to aid in combating the spread of COVID-19. The …

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U.S. Passport, Citizenship and Notarial Services

updated December 22, 2020 RENEW YOUR U.S. PASSPORT BY MAIL (FORM DS-82) – ADULTS ONLY Did you know that adult U.S. citizens with 10-year passports can renew their passports via mail?   We encourage adults to renew by mail, so that U.S. citizens requiring interviews, such as children, may be prioritized for appointments. If you were …

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US and Bahamas Sign Updated Search and Rescue Agreement

Nassau, The Bahamas | December 10, 2020 On 10 December 2020, after years of close cooperation, the United States Coast Guard, in coordination with the Departments of State and Transportation (including the Federal Aviation Administration) concluded a binding United States – Government of The Bahamas aeronautical and maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) agreement. This agreement …

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New Facial Biometric Technology Will Make CBP Preclearance at LPIA more Efficient and Secure

Nassau, The Bahamas | December 7, 2020 Starting on December 9, 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance operations at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau will introduce Simplified Arrival. Simplified Arrival uses facial comparison technology to make inspection easier and faster for travelers, and more secure and efficient for CBP officers and …

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US Donates Additional $20K to COVID Fight in The Bahamas

On Friday, November 20, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau delivered $20,000 in additional equipment to help the fight against COVID-19 in The Bahamas. U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) donated six custom-made internal partitions for mobile shelters being used to screen COVID-19 patients, allowing them to better isolate patients and prevent the spread of the virus. U.S. …

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United States Donates $3.6M in Modular Shelters, Rescue Boats, and Construction Materials for Hurricane Response in The Bahamas

The Embassy of the United States in Nassau delivered $3.6 million dollars-worth of modular shelters, medical evacuation boats, and construction materials to The Ministry for Disaster Preparedness, Management, and Reconstruction just in time for peak hurricane season. Chargé d’Affaires John McNamara delivered the donation to Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Management, and Reconstruction the Honourable Iram …

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Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Nassau, The Bahamas

Location:  The Bahamas  Event:     March 30 Update: Commercial and Charter Flights to the United States March 31st Commercial Flight Availability to the United States As of 1700 EDT March 30, the only known commercial flights to the United States from The Bahamas on March 31 are: George Town, Exuma (GGT) to Fort Lauderdale at 2:30 p.m. – …

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Remarks – Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Bowers: BPL’s Installation of TM2500 Engine

Good morning, and welcome to this momentous event.  Although I will stand on the established protocol, I would like to acknowledge the Most Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis, as well as the CEO of GE Gas Power Americas Mr. Eric Gray, for having the vision and foresight to find a progressive solution to the …

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U.S. Coast Guard Volunteers Assist with Hurricane Dorian Recovery Efforts on Grand Bahama

On February 28, crewmembers from the United States Coast Guard Cutter BERNARD C. WEBBER assisted the community of Grand Bahama Island which was severely impacted by Hurricane Dorian in September 2019.  At the Sir Charles Hayward Library in Freeport, the volunteers prepped the library to renovate the floor that was damaged by the hurricane storm …

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Coast Guard Petty Officer Meritoriously Advanced During State of the Coast Guard Address

On February 20, Coast Guard Commandant, Adm. Karl Schultz, meritoriously advanced Emily Ford to the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class during the State of the Coast Guard Address, from Charleston, South Carolina.  The honor was a surprise for PO Ford as U.S. Embassy Nassau hosted a watch party of the announcement. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires …

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Remarks USS BAINBRIDGE Welcome Reception U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Bowers

February 13, 2020 Ladies and gentlemen, partners and friends, good evening. It is such an honor to be aboard the USS BAINBRIDGE with all of you. Protocol having been established, I would still like to acknowledge Deputy Prime Minister Turnquest and Mrs. Turnquest, Minister Thompson, and Minister Lewis and Mrs. Lewis – thank you for …

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The United States and The Bahamas Sign Air Transport Agreement

On January 27, 2020, in Nassau, The Bahamas, Assistant Secretary Manisha Singh and Bahamian Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar signed the Air Transport Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the first bilateral air transport agreement negotiated by the two countries. …

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Department of State Breaks Ground on New U.S. Embassy in Nassau

In a display of enduring friendship and emphasizing the importance of the bilateral relationship between the United States and The Bahamas, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, Foreign Minister Darren Henfield, Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Bowers, Director of the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) Addison D. “Tad” Davis IV, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Nassau, …

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Remarks – Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Embassy Campus U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Bowers

Standing on the protocol already established, I would like to express my appreciation to the Most Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis, Minister Henfield, Director Davis, President Schaeffer, and all the esteemed guests here with us tonight. Good evening and thank you for joining us. I know the past few weeks have been very difficult …

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U.S. Mission Does First Overflight of Abaco with Prime Minister Minnis

The U.S. Mission to The Bahamas is completely focused on assisting the victims of Hurricane Dorian. On September 3, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Bowers accompanied Prime Minister Hubert Minnis and Vice Admiral Scott Buschman of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) on the first overflight of some of the affected areas in Abaco. In an update, Chargé d’Affaires Bowers said, “we are proud to stand hand in hand with our Bahamian friends and partners. Prime Minister Minnis and …

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Help Continues – U.S. Mission Brings Relief Supplies; Search and Rescue Teams to The Bahamas

The United States government remains completely dedicated to search, rescue, recovery, and relief efforts as The Bahamas grapples with the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian. In the early hours of September 5, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Bowers greeted 57 members of the Virginia Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue team upon their arrival at …

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USS Stout Arrives for Nassau, Bahamas Port Call By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy M. Atkins Ricks

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) arrived in Nassau, Bahamas, for a scheduled port visit, June 12. The Norfolk-based destroyer arrived in the island nation’s port as part of a concerted effort to increase U.S. presence and reinforce the U.S. Navy’s commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership. “The Bahamas is …

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U.S. Government Donates $2M Long Range Radar Equipment to the RBDF

On April 17, U.S. and Bahamian government officials traveled to Matthew Town, Inagua for the commissioning of a $2M, state-of-the-art, Long-Range Coastal Radar System, made possible United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM). Among those on hand for the ceremony, the Most Honourable Prime Minister, Dr.  Hubert Minnis; General O’Shaughnessy, Commander of the U.S. Northern Command; U.S. …

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U.S. Congressman Sean Maloney visits The Bahamas

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Bowers recently hosted Congressman Sean Maloney representing New York’s 18th congressional district, and Commandant of the US Coast Guard Admiral Karl Schultz They experienced first hand the challenges our joint US Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and DEA operations face trying to bring down traffickers in 100,000 square miles of ocean over 700 …

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The White House Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit with Caribbean Leaders

The White House Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 19, 2019 Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit with Caribbean Leaders President Donald J. Trump will welcome the leaders of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, the Republic of Haiti, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia on Friday, March 22, 2019, …

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U.S. Senator Marco Rubio Visits The Bahamas

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations’ Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women’s Issues, traveled to the Bahamas on May 2, where he met with Prime Minister Hubert Minnis to discuss bilateral relations, and thank the Bahamas for their leadership in working with …

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U.S. Embassy Nassau on The Bahamas Elections

The Embassy of the United States of America congratulates the people of The Bahamas on a successful election.  Citizens throughout The Bahamas exercised their constitutional right and civic responsibility, further strengthening The Bahamas’ robust democratic traditions.  The U.S. government looks forward to working with the newly elected representatives. Earlier this spring, the Governor General invited …

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COB Student Participates in IVLP Exchange for Young Political Leaders

On August 22, Mr.Travis Robinson paid a courtesy call on US Charge d’Affaires Lisa Johnson to discuss his recent participation in the U.S. State Department funded International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), titled: U.S. Elections: A Project for Young Political Leaders held from July 9-30th in the U.S.

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US Embassy Donates Computers to the Attorney General’s Court Reporting Unit

The U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Section presented the Attorney General’s Court Reporting Unit with 28 computers on July 15th in support of The Bahamas’ efforts to strengthen the justice sector.  The donation is the latest in a series of donations designed to increase the Unit’s ability to deliver accurate and …

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DAS for Western Hemisphere Affairs Juan Gonzalez Makes Official Visit to The Bahamas

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Juan Gonzalez made an official two-day visit to The Bahamas April 18-19, 2016. His trip served as an opportunity to meet with senior government officials and highlight the U.S. commitment to The Bahamas and the region.

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