By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FOR the first time in five years, Bahamasair will start making regularly scheduled flights to Mayaguana.

Prime Minister Perry Christie and several government members made the announcement yesterday after taking “the inaugural” Bahamasair flight to the island to celebrate its return and the completion of a new, 6,700-foot runway at the airport.

The airport had been closed to commercial carriers and aircraft over 6000lbs for a year after an aircraft, forced to make a risky midnight landing, crashed into a truck last April, setting it on fire and killing its three occupants.

Speaking to residents who gathered inside the airport terminal for yesterday’s event, Prime Minister Christie said: “Rest assured we’re not simply here to commission an airport or roads.

“You can’t eat that. I’m coming back to talk business.”

MICAL MP V Alfred Gray added that the government is busy making sure Mayaguana residents have what they deserve. He said: “You will soon have water; the roads are in progress, roads being constructed from the East to the West and in between. So Mayaguana, this is your turn.” 

And while some residents told The Tribune successive governments have failed to deliver on their promise to renovate the terminal building – which began leaking as rain fell during yesterday’s event – Mr Gray said the structure will be completely renovated by August and will serve as a temporary terminal until a new one is built.

Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin spoke about the government’s plan for the aviation sector. “Mayaguana is one of the southernmost islands in this archipelago,” she said. “We must ensure policies which are inclusive and equitable allowing for the development of the full potential of each island community: this is a key tenet in the policy of this government as initiated by the Prime Minister.”

“This is the approach nationwide in the aviation sector: to improve communications and thereby stimulate growth and foster advancement. We now have night flying in Bimini and work is now underway to prepare Marsh Harbour International Airport, San Salvador International Airport, Governor’s Harbour International Airport, North Eleuthera International Airport and Exuma International Airport for night flying. We are building capacity for economic growth.”

“Very shortly solar lights will be installed in the last four remaining airports: Fresh Creek, Rum Cay, Mayaguana and Ragged Island thereby completing the exercise of emergency lighting at all government-owned airports. Additionally repairs will be made to the Deadman’s Cay solar lighting system and other airports as is appropriate.”

“We have a beautiful country: we have our challenges but we must fight for our country.”