|
|
 | Press Release
| |
|
|
| Port Week Set for Grand Bahama
|
| Simon Lewis
Bahamas Information Services
|
| 10/19/2007
|
Ben Ferguson of the Port Department on Grand Bahama is pictured with several Committee members as they announced Port Week activities for that island. Left to right are: Mike Stafford, Bradford Marine; Debbie Huyler, Ministry of Tourism; Mr. Ferguson; and Mr. Orlando Forbes, Port Director for the Freeport Harbour Company.(BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – With a view of sensitizing the Bahamian public to the ongoing work at various ports throughout Grand Bahama Island, the Port Department on Grand Bahama has planned a number of activities which fall under the banner of Port Week.
Port Week will be celebrated October 22nd thru October 28th under the theme: Celebrating the Renaissance of Grand Bahama Island through the Port Industry.
According to Mr.Benjamin Ferguson, Senior Deputy Port Director, this marks the first time that Port Week is being celebrated on Grand Bahama Island. It has been celebrated on three occasions in New Providence. He also confirmed that the celebrations on Grand Bahama will coincide with activities planned for New Providence.
He explained that as a result of the activities that involve the maritime industry a committee was formed in Grand Bahama involving all industry partners who made a decision to celebrate Port Week on Grand Bahama for the first time.
According to Mr. Ferguson, Grand Bahama plays host to a large part of the maritime industry, pointing out that the island has an historic perspective which organizers feel The Bahamas as a whole should know about.
Mr. Ferguson advised that the Port Department on Grand Bahama has teamed up with the Ministry of Tourism, Freeport Harbour Company and other industry partners to plan the week of celebrations.
Joining Mr. Ferguson at a press conference launching Port Week was Mrs. Debbie Huyler, Manager Ports of Entry and Visitor Relations with the Ministry of Tourism, and Mr. Orlando Forbes, Port Director at the Freeport Harbour Company.
Mrs. Huyler informed that the Ministry of Tourism has supported the concept of Port Week since its inception and is delighted that recognition of Port Week is now being realized and celebrated on Grand Bahama Island.
“The economic impact of Grand Bahama Island’s ports should not be underestimated as approximately half of the visitor arrivals come to this island by sea. We will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure that we deliver increasingly satisfying welcome and departure experiences as we grow the cruise industry on this island,” she said.
Mrs. Huyler informed that the Ministry of Tourism will be sponsoring a two day Authentically Bahamian Arts and Craft Exhibit during Port Week. The first will take place at the Lucayan Harbour on Monday, October 22nd 2007 and again on October 28th 2007.
She informed that on both days cruise ships will be in port, adding that it will be a very exciting time for visitors as they come off and are able to see the arts and craft of The Bahamas, in particular Grand Bahama Island.
“All and all we at the Ministry of Tourism are excited about Port Week and with the activities that are planned for the week, we hope that it would be very informative and the public at large will be able to learn a little bit about the ports on Grand Bahama and the businesses that work closely with the port,” she stated
The official opening for Port Week is set for Wednesday, October 24th 2007 at the Lucayan Harbour. Tourism Minister, the Honourable Neko C. Grant and the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Labour, Senator the Honourable Dion A. Foulkes are expected to bring remarks. Workshop sessions sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism and Port Department will follow the opening.
|