Bahamas News
Flight From Grand Bahama Marks Historic Landing in Lakeland Florida
Greg Rolle at Lakeland Airport for first intl flight at Lakeland – Grand Bahama
#UnitedStates, November 21, 2017 – Lakeland, Fl – On November 16, 2017, Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida commissioned its airport facility as the newest port of entry for U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance. Four pilots who arrived into the Lakeland Airport facility out of Grand Bahama Island on a Cessna 182 series aircraft, owned by Sun n Fun, were the first international pilots and aircraft to be welcomed into the new facility.
The pilots, students and graduates of the Lakeland Aero Club, arrived Lakeland Linder Regional Airport on November 16, at 4:30 p.m. and by 4:38 p.m. they had officially cleared U.S. Customs. They were met and welcomed by Captain Greg Rolle, Sr. Director of Sports and Vertical Markets for The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (MOTA) alongside a line of city officials.
Captain Mike Zidziunas, Bahamas Flying Ambassador and President of the Lakeland Aero Club and Captain Greg Rolle coordinated the historic inaugural landing and customs clearance.
“Lakeland’s new facility should result in an increase level of business to The Bahamas for pilots wishing to conduct fly-ins and travel to The Bahamas. The airport which, is located on the southern end of Florida, provides additional opportunities for pilots who prefer to travel directly into The Bahamas without venturing Far East to clear U.S. Customs,” said Captain Mike.
photo pilots in GB for lunch Lakeland Customs Inaugural
The Cessna departed Lakeland Regional Airport at 8:30 a.m. on November 16, with the three pilots led by Captain Mike. They toured Grand Bahama Island, ate lunch and held a meeting with executives of the MOTA Grand Bahama office before returning to Lakeland Linder Regional Airport to become the first international flight and pilots to clear U.S. Customs in the new facility.
According to Captain Greg Rolle, a pilot and former President of the International Federal Partnership alliance, “the one day flight conducted by the young pilots was monumental for The Bahamas because it demonstrated the ease and convenience of flying into and out of The Bahamas. Additionally, the historic flight further highlighted the strong working relationship that The Bahamas government enjoys with the U.S. government agencies in particular, the Department of Customs and Border Protection, as well as with Sun n Fun organization, which operates the 2nd largest aviation convention and airshow in the U.S.A. We look forward to the endless growth opportunities that this new ‘customs cleared” airport will bring for aviation into The Bahamas,” he said.
Release: Ministry of Tourism
Photo Captions:
- Department of Homeland Security and the United States Customs and Border Protection welcomed the first international flight to arrive into Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. The pilots who arrived from Grand Bahama Island were the first international pilots and aircraft to depart, return and clear U.S. Customs at the new facility. Captain Greg Rolle (3rd left) Sr. Director, Sports and Vertical Markets, MOTA met the group.
- Prior to becoming the first international pilots to clear U.S. Customs into Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, the student pilots stopped in Grand Bahama to tour, have lunch and meet with MOTA Grand Bahama executives.
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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