FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – The People-To-People programme is an essential part of the tourism product, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation during the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation People-To-People Unit Ambassadors’ Recognition Ceremony on Thursday evening.

The event, honouring 23 individuals who have dedicated 25, 30 and 40 years to the programme, was held at the Pelican Bay Hotel.

The People-To-People programme was started 47 years ago by then Minister of Tourism, the late Sir Clement T. Maynard.

He noted that when visiting a foreign destination, guests want to get out of the big hotels and be a part of the culture – they want to experience cultural and heritage tourism.

With a new appreciation for what the island has to offer, Deputy Prime Minister Cooper says he will return with his family to experience all of what Grand Bahama has to offer and hopes he can be accompanied by those from People-To-People. “It’s a magnificent programme. I tell you, when you go to a big city, or a small one for that matter, and you don’t know the place or the environment, it’s great to have someone who is local. When you have someone who is local, you have a
better experience.”

Sharing a personal experience with the honourees, the Deputy Prime Minister added that he has visited Grand Bahama on at least 100 occasions but on
Wednesday, he visited Fish Fry in Smith’s Point for the first time because he was
with residents.

This, he said, is what visitors want when they visit.

Bringing greetings on behalf of the Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis, who was on island for the groundbreaking ceremony for Carnival’s Cruise Port but had since returned to Nassau, Mr. Cooper said “We are embarking on a path to really bring the grand life back to Grand Bahama.”

The Deputy Prime Minister also announced that there will be increased airlift to the island as Western Air has agreed to direct flights from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport, Bahamasair will increase its flights from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport, and as of November 10 Bahamasair will have a direct flight from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Freeport, Grand Bahama.

He also challenged those present to increase local ambassadors by 50 percent, increase guest participation in the programme by 50 percent, and start a Junior People-To-People so that young people can be more involved.

Also present and bringing remarks was Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey who was described by the Deputy Prime Minister as one of the hardest working Cabinet Ministers in the government who is “focused, energetic and has the heart for the people of Grand Bahama.”

She said that every year, millions of visitors come to our shores for the sun,
pristine beaches, swim in our waters and experience ‘the Bahamian thing.’
“What exactly is our Bahamian thing? It is our colourful and descriptive dialect. The anticipation that bills the New Year’s Day Junkanoo, the taste of sour lime tea, the smell of guava duff boiled in a pillow case and eating boiled fish and johnny cake with family and friends on a Saturday morning.

“The Bahamian thing is a representation of our culture, our community and the things that distinctly make us Bahamian. The Bahamian thing is that one-of-a-kind experience that visitors come to The Bahamas in search of, and this is the kind of

experience that the People-To-People programme has afforded visitors to The
Bahamas to enjoy.”

The programme was launched in Grand Bahama in 1976 and since then, thousands of people have participated and experienced a memorable visit because of the ambassadors.

She thanked the Ambassadors for their work in making the experience of visitors an authentic one. She added, “People-To-People is valuable to our tourism product and your work is an important part of the revitalization of Grand Bahama’s tourism sector.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

HONOURED – The Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation’s People-To-
People Unit on Thursday evening hosted an Ambassadors’ Recognition Ceremony for those who have volunteered their services for 25, 30 and 40 years to the programme. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible, the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, along with Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, thanked the honourees for their dedication to the programme. Shown is Terrecita Kemp receiving her award for 40 years of service to the programme. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

30 YEARS OF SERVICE – During the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and
Aviation’s People-To-People Unit Ambassadors’ Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, 23 people were honoured for contributing the programme for 25, 30 and 40 years. The event was held at Pelican Bay Hotel. Thirty-year honouree Carmeta Miller is seen receiving her award from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. I. Chester Cooper and Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

ADDRESSING HONOUREES – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. I. Chester Cooper addressed the People-To- People ambassadors who have been a part of the programme for 25, 30 and 40 years. The event was held at Pelican Bay Hotel on Thursday evening. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

SHARING A JOKE – During the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation’s People-To-People Unit’s Ambassadors’ Recognition Ceremony held on Thursday evening at Pelican Bay Hotel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. I Chester Cooper shared a light moment with those present. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

THANK YOU – Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey on Thursday evening thanked the Honourees of the Ambassador’s Recognition Ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation People-To-People Unit. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)