The USS Wasp arrived in The Bahamas yesterday to mark The Bahamas’ 50th year of Independence. Photos: US Embassy
By JADE RUSSELL
Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
HUNDREDS of US sailors in crisp white uniforms lined the landing deck of the USS WASP as it arrived yesterday to help The Bahamas mark its 50th anniversary of independence.
US officials led the local press to tour the impressive 844ft vessel.
“We are absolutely privileged to be here to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the independence of The Bahamas,” said Captain Nakia Cooper.
“This visit also provides an opportunity for us to strengthen an important bilateral partnership with our maritime neighbour, which is highly important to the overall stability of our region. To our Bahamian friends across this beautiful island nation, we are absolutely honoured to be here with you. And I want to sincerely thank you for hosting the men and women and allowing us to celebrate this incredible milestone with you.”
One sailor, Lieutenant Trey Adderley, revealed his family ties to The Bahamas.
“My family lineage comes from Burnt Ground in Long Island, Bahamas,” he said. “But I have some family members here. It’s really exciting to come over into Nassau on this great warship, one that I serve on.”
During the sailors’ visit, they are expected to visit the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys and the Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls.
Lieutenant Kevin Carr and Ensign Raymond Sgambati discussed the ship’s features, including its 13,600-sqft well deck.
They said the ship provides a seamless transition from sea to land for its passengers.
Officials said nearly 900 sailors are on the ship.
Comments
IslandWarrior 10 months, 3 weeks ago
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As a Bahamian, I strongly disagree with the presence of the controversial US military in our country during our Independence celebrations. Independence should be a time for us to assert our sovereignty and celebrate our ability to govern ourselves without external interference. However, the arrival of the USS WASP and the US sailors undermines this notion.
It is disheartening to witness the hypocrisy of claiming independence while relying on a foreign military power to mark this important milestone. Our celebrations should be centred on our culture, history, and achievements as a nation, not overshadowed by the presence of a foreign warship.
Moreover, the choice of the United States as the foreign power providing military presence raises valid concerns. It prompts us to question why we turned to the US instead of seeking support from the United Kingdom, our former colonial power with stronger historical ties. This decision opens the door to speculation about the motives behind such a choice and the potential long-term implications for our country.
As Bahamians, we should be cautious about allowing foreign military forces to become intertwined with our independence celebrations. It is crucial to safeguard our sovereignty and ensure that our celebrations truly reflect our ability to govern ourselves. We must question whether hosting a foreign military presence aligns with the principles and ideals of independence that we hold dear.
In conclusion, the presence of the controversial US military in our country during our Independence celebrations goes against the spirit of true independence. As Bahamians, we should voice our concerns and prioritize the preservation of our sovereignty and the authenticity of our celebrations, free from external influences.
avidreader 10 months, 3 weeks ago
For those of you too young to remember: the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels aerobatic team put on a show above New Providence in July 1973. This appearance of a military vessel is disquieting especially as we watch the world dividing more visibly into two opposing camps. Perhaps this action is a reminder of the proximity of the leader of one of the two opposing associations of nations. Had we been located more closely to a prominent member of the opposing association of nations it is entirely possible that the visiting vessel would be flying a very different flag.
Maximilianotto 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Finally clear who has the say here - and new US embassy is well staffed to take over if needed.
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