The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Embassy, U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), and the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) in Andros, continues to make significant contributions to the community of Andros Island. This ongoing commitment was further demonstrated on January 14, with a donation of over $50,000 worth of school supplies to schools including Bowen Sound Primary, Behring Point Primary, Staniard Creek, and Fresh Creek Primary. These supplies are vital for creating a conducive learning environment, especially in smaller schools facing challenges in accessing adequate resources.
The recent visit to Andros provided an opportunity to strengthen connections with local educational leaders. It was a pleasure to meet with principals Shantel Hinsey at Bowen Sound, Lavonne Neymour at Behring Point, Vernita Coakley at Staniard Creek, and AWE graduate Holly Riley Woodside at Fresh Creek. Their dedication to education and the well-being of their students exemplifies the community spirit that thrives on Andros Island.
When the U.S. Charge Furnish arrived in Central Andros she was met by Family Island Administrator Marlon Leary. During the visit Marlon Leary reflected on the partnership between the U.S. and the Bahamas by quoting Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” He expressed his appreciation for the continued support, saying, “I am grateful for the cohesive working relationship that the US and The Bahamas share, and I am more than thankful for acts of kindness that are shown through this partnership. On behalf of the entire district, I offer our sincerest gratitude to the US Embassy/Kimberly Furnish Charge d’Affaires/NORTHCOM and the AUTEC Navy Base for your generous donations to the primary schools in the district. These items would aid in the advancement of our future leaders, we are forever grateful and we anticipate future partnerships.”
AUTEC Commander Reed also shared his enthusiasm, “Serving in the US Navy here in the Bahamas, especially on Andros Island, has been a dream come true. It’s an honor to be trusted with command of such an important installation and I enjoy every day working beside AUTEC’s talented workforce. Having the opportunity to serve my country overseas, strengthen the relationship between the Bahamas and the United States, all while giving back to the amazing people of Andros Island has been truly rewarding.”
During her visit to Andros, U.S. Embassy Charge Kimberly Furnish also highlighted the initiatives, stating, “AUTEC has worked hard to be a good neighbor to our Bahamian neighbors in Andros. The provision of fresh water and educational supplies, along with support for local sports teams, underscores our commitment to the well-being and development of the Andros community. We are proud to support these efforts and look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the people of The Bahamas.”
U.S. Embassy Nassau’s Senior Defense Official Commander Victor Lange further emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “Our youth are our future, and investing in their education is investing in the bright future of The Bahamas. This donation is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the potential of young Bahamians and ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.”
These contributions are part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of life for residents of Andros Island and to strengthen the longstanding relationship between the United States and The Bahamas. The U.S. Government remains dedicated to supporting the local community through various initiatives that promote education, health, and sports.
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