GOVERNOR BUSH'S VISIT STRENGTHENS TIES BETWEEN

UNCLAS NASSAU 000325 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CAR WBENT AND WHA/CCA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EPET PHUM SMIG CU BF SUBJECT: GOVERNOR BUSH'S VISIT STRENGTHENS TIES BETWEEN FLORIDA AND BAHAMAS REF: NASSAU 308 ¶1. SUMMARY: During a productive February 20 visit to The Bahamas, Florida Governor Jeb Bush met with Prime Minister Christie and members of his Cabinet, launched a cooperative educational program between Florida and The Bahamas, visited a primary school and addressed the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Clubs on trade, investment and economic diversification. Meeting with the PM, Bush raised concerns regarding detained Cuban migrants and supported a pending proposal by a U.S. company to build a liquefied natural gas ("LNG") conversion facility in The Bahamas to supply Florida. The Bahamian government was receptive to the Governor's concerns, with the PM indicating that his government would soon make decisions on both matters. Christie warmly welcomed the education partnerships and described the visit as a "defining moment" in the relationship between the U.S. and The Bahamas. END SUMMARY. ¶2. Florida Governor Jeb Bush visited the Bahamas February 20, accompanied by Florida Secretary of State Sue Cobb, Florida Commissioner of Education John Winn, Florida Department of Education Chief of Staff Jeanine Blomberg, Enterprise Florida Director Gary Schumann and other staff. While the visit was designed primarily to promote Florida-Bahamas educational partnerships and trade, Cuban migration and LNG issues came to the forefront of key meetings and press coverage. Hope for Resolution of LNG and Migration Issues -------------- -- ¶3. Governor Bush, Ambassador Rood, Secretary Cobb, and Commissioner Winn met with Prime Minister Christie, Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia Pratt, Acting Foreign Minister Vincent Peet, Minister of Education Alfred Sears, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Trade and Industry Leslie Miller, and Minister of Works and Utilities Bradley Roberts (reftel). The frank meeting included discussion of educational partnerships, the continued detention of two Cuban dentists at the Carmichael Road Detention Center, and the prospects for moving ahead with a LNG conversion facility in The Bahamas. Following the meeting, the PM told the press that "the Bahamian government would aggressively address the Governor's concern about the continued detention of the two Cuban dentists," adding that, "they have assurances from us that as we speak, we are in the process of trying to bring the matter to a hopeful conclusion in the best interest of all concerned." Governor Bush expressed his appreciation that Christie "listened attentively" and "was willing to resolve it." ¶4. The discussions also advanced a long-standing proposal by an American investor, AES, to build a LNG regassification facility at Ocean Cay in The Bahamas. Governor Bush outlined Florida's growing need for energy and his states determination to diversify sources, including greater use of natural gas. He noted that if the Ocean Cay proposal was not approved, Florida had other options on the table that could meet its needs. PM Christie shared his concern over The Bahamas ability to regulate the plant, and solicited the Governor's support by working with Bahamian regulators. Governor Bush agreed to set up a meeting between Floridian and Bahamian energy and environment regulators. The PM said that "clearly a decision is necessary . . . it is a valuable resource Florida needs, hopefully from The Bahamas to the great benefit of The Bahamas" and expressed hope that the regulatory partnership would resolve Bahamian concerns. Post is coordinating with Governor Bush's staff to arrange the meeting of regulators. "Classroom Connections" Launches Education Partnership -------------- -------------- ¶5. In a separate meeting with Education Minister Sears, Governor Bush launched the first of a series of educational partnerships -- "Global Classroom Connections," a program to bring together Florida and Bahamian students through cultural, reading and technology exchanges. Through the program, Bahamian schools will be linked with sister schools in Florida in a "21st Century" interactive pen-pal program, exchanging e-mail, books and cultural activities. The program also extends to teachers and administrators, including the exchange of training and teaching methods. During the visit, Governor Bush and Sears announced three pairs of pilot schools for the program, which is scheduled to expand significantly over the next year. ¶6. Governor Bush visited one of the pilot schools, Woodcock Primary School, where he met with students, encouraged early reading and enjoyed a program of singing and dancing put on by the students. Governor Bush and Education Commissioner Winn presented the school with a children's book, a series of books created by the Florida partner school, and a video from the Florida principal welcoming the students to "Classroom Connections." They also received a Bahamian children's book for delivery to the Florida sister school. ¶7. While "Classroom Connections" was the focus of educational cooperation, Governor Bush laid the groundwork for future cooperation on teacher training, special needs education and partnerships between Florida universities and the College of the Bahamas. The Florida Department of Education, Post and the Bahamian Ministry of Education plan further collaboration to develop and coordinate these programs. Promoting Trade and Blasting Cuba -------------- ¶8. During a lunch meeting with several hundred local business leaders, Governor Bush and Bahamian Minister of Finance and Investment Allyson Maynard-Gibson each spoke about Bahamian-Florida partnerships. Maynard-Gibson's remarks highlighted the volume of Florida-Bahamas trade, pointing out that The Bahamas imports $1 billion of goods from Florida. She requested Florida's assistance in correcting the trade imbalance, and encouraged local business leaders to seek opportunities in Florida's markets. Governor Bush emphasized the need for diversification of a tourist-driven economy and Florida's use of tourism revenues to develop "21st Century" businesses and innovations. The message of diversification, investment in new industries and the risks of tourism-dependence in a hurricane zone resonated strongly with the crowd. ¶9. In response to an audience member's question about Bahamian ties to Cuba, Governor Bush bluntly responded that The Bahamas had nothing to gain from a relationship with Cuba, and everything to gain from a relationship with Florida and the U.S. "You are a democracy," he said, "and you are not going to find democracy in Cuba. You respect the rule of law; not much respect for the rule of law in Cuba. You have a prosperous open economy; not much Cuba can offer you on the economic front. Cuba offers you nothing but threats to illegally send you its enslaved people." As with his message on investment and diversification, these remarks were well-received by the business community. Visit Underscores U.S.-Bahamian Partnership -------------- ¶10. COMMENT: As encapsulated by Governor Bush's comments regarding Cuba, the visit placed Florida's role in the Bahamian economy, and the Bahamian interest in continued cooperation with Florida on issues of common concern into sharp focus. While final decisions have not been made regarding the Cuban detainees or the LNG plant, the Governor's promotion of ongoing educational and trade partnerships has focused Bahamians on the benefits of closer ties with the U.S. Media coverage was extensive and positive, generating understanding for the potential of current and future partnerships with Florida and building support for resolution of the Cuban detainee and LNG issues. The visit was a resounding success. END COMMENT. ROOD