Bahamas News
Return of Sunwing to Grand Bahama — restart of international flights to the island
#Freeport, GB, December 17, 2019 – Bahamas – Grand Bahama’s tourism got a big boost on Saturday and when Sunwing Airlines made its official return to the island, since Hurricane Dorian.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest; Minister of State for Grand Bahama Senator the Hon. Kwasi Thompson; Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon. Michael Pintard; Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, the Hon. Iram Lewis; newly-appointed General Manager of Tourism for Grand Bahama, Stephen Johnson, along with other tourism and government officials, were all on hand on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the refurbished FBO building at Grand Bahama airport, to welcome the Sunwing flight into Freeport.
“This is an exciting day for Grand Bahama,” said Minister Thompson. “This is a major step in the revival of this island’s economy.”
Some 189 passengers from Montreal and Toronto, Canada, got the “royal treatment” when the flight landed at the airport and they were ushered into the refurbished FBO building, which will temporarily operate as the hub for international flights. In addition to being greeted by government and tourism officials, the passengers were treated to the sweet sounds of Junkanoo.
For most of the passengers it was an exciting first-hand experience and before boarding the bus that would transport them to their hotels, many of the guests spent some time taking photos of the Junkanoo group and some joined in with dancing.
“After what Grand Bahama has been through in the past few months, this is a welcomed moment,” said Deputy Prime Minister Turnquest. “Hopefully, this is the re-start of the island’s international flight agenda.”
Sunwing will provide two flights to Freeport each Saturday for the first month, from Montreal and Toronto, before adding more frequent flights to the island on other days. That calculates to about 400 visitors coming to Freeport each Saturday since Hurricane Dorian hit Grand Bahama in early September.
Other international airlines are expected to resume regular scheduled flights between Grand Bahama and the United States in short order.
Minister Thompson noted that there was much work that went into getting the facility renovated, mobilizing the staff and preparing for the arrival of the flight. He said that everyone involved in the preparations deserved to be thanked for their hard work and dedication.
“There was a lot of work to be done, in terms of getting the airport ready, organizing the groups and many other things. We also understand that Club Fortuna has undergone renovations, and so this has come in time to accommodate these guests.
“There will be regular flights from Sunwing that will continue to come in, so we are very pleased to see them return.”
As far as other international airlines coming back into Freeport, Minister Thompson noted Bahamasair was to restart their international flights on Monday (December 16), with an inaugural flight from Freeport to Fort Lauderdale, along with the expected return of American Airlines and a few other international airlines to Freeport.
“This is all another major step as a part of the recovery of Grand Bahama,” added Minister Thompson. “Bringing back international flights was vital for Grand Bahama to recover. We’ve seen international flights come back and we anticipate that this trend will continue.”
Stephen Johnson, General Manager for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism in Grand Bahama says the return of Sunwing to Freeport is a significant move for tourism in Grand Bahama and sends a clear message around the world that Grand Bahama is still open for business.
“Each week, we will have close to 200 passengers come in from Toronto and the same amount coming in from Montreal,” Mr. Johnson pointed out. “These visitors will have an opportunity to ride around Grand Bahama, go to the fish fry, visit the beaches, take in some shopping and experience dining in Freeport.
“I would like to see tourism in Grand Bahama continue to grow. I would like to see more flights come in from Canada, the United States and from around the world, where people can see the beauty of this island. Grand Bahama is a special product for us and we want to see more visitors come out to see what we have to offer.”
Christine Culmer and Veronica Cuccurullo, Sunwing representatives in Freeport, said that they were excited to see the airline return to Grand Bahama. They are convinced that there is a lot Grand Bahama has to offer visitors and they are happy to be a part of providing that experience for visitors.
“This partnership is great for all of us,” said Veronica. “We have a great island here and a lot to offer and this is a start to what can become a major airlift boost for Grand Bahama. So, it is also great for the local economy. This is a start of hopefully bringing more airlift into the island.”
“It has been so important to Sunwing to get this back up and running,” added Christine Culmer of Sunwing. “It was very important for them to see that the financial status of this island gets uplifted again by employing locals, and they’re doing it.”
By Andrew Coakley
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: A number of government officials were on hand Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the Grand Bahama airport to welcome the return of Sunwing Airlines back to the island. On hand for the event were (from left): Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson; Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, Iram Lewis; Deputy Prime Minister, K. Peter Turnquest and Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, Michael Pintard.
Insert: Passengers disembarking from Sunwing’s flight from Toronto and Montreal, Canada on Saturday, December 14, 2019, were met with more than just Immigration and Custom officers. They were given the ‘red carpet’ treatment by officials who greeted them upon arrival in Grand Bahama. Saturday’s flight marked the return of Sunwing to Grand Bahama, and a return of international flights to the island since the airport had been severely damaged by Hurricane Dorian.
(BIS Photos)
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
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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