By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 22, 2023 – As it marks 50 years of operation Bahamasair flew into the Turks and Caicos on June 15th on a celebratory voyage. The regional flight landed in Providenciales to the spurt of water canons welcoming it to the soon to be officially named Howard Hamilton International Airport.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority, TCIAA hosted the event with live video showing the view from the aircraft as it landed, giving a bird’s eye view of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Bahamian flags and colors sat alongside the TCIs as Anya Williams, Acting Governor; Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism and E Jay Saunders, Deputy Premier attended the special golden celebration.
‘We Funk’ Junkanoo group opened the festivities with a rhythmic rush; the brief ceremony was hosted by Nikeva Ariza, Corporate Affairs and Communication Manager of the Airports Authority.
Bahamasair is the official flag carrying airline of The Bahamas and has served the TCI faithfully for decades connecting the country to the world even prior to some of the larger more established international airlines.
It’s only fitting that the airline celebrated along with the Turks and Caicos which they have served so faithfully and whose residents have supported the airline with dedication.
Norman Saunders, former Chief Minister, was invited to speak at the event and had some insightful history to share with the audience.
“We welcome you and we remember your flights into the TCI with fondness,” he continued, “I was the first agent for BahamasAir in these Turks and Caicos Islands.”
He described going to Nassau for training in writing tickets, handling passengers and more.
“At the time there was only one airport that BahamasAir could land at and that was in South Caicos- and passengers had to travel from Provo out the other islands by boat believe it or not,” he revealed.
The airline began officially on June 18 1973, the same year the nation gained independence, with inter country flights from one Bahamian island to the next. In that same year it expanded to other destinations including the Turks and Caicos.
“It wasn’t always easy flying from South Caicos to Inagua to Nassau but you were the pioneers of commercial air service into these islands and for that we will always be grateful to you,” Saunders declared.
Michelle Lee, Station Manager at Bahamasair at the Providenciales International Airport said, “This service unites families, provides a rich exchange of culture, fosters business opportunities and gives travelers access to some of the best beaches and friendliest people this side of heaven.”
In that same vein, Managing Director of Bahamasair Tracy Cooper offered, “Bahamasair takes the time to thank the people of the Turks and Caicos for your unwavering support over these years.”
A plaque was presented to Mr. Cooper on behalf of the Members and Executive of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association. A 50th Anniversary cake was also cut in commemoration of the festivities also spearheaded by Godfrey Smith, CEO of the TCIAA.
The message from all speakers was one of family and togetherness and a promise of a lasting, expanding connection.