FREEPORT – Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville on September 5 began his courtship with the cruise industry, with a view of helping to grow the industry on Grand Bahama and eyeing potential job opportunities for locals onboard the various cruise ships serving the island.
Dr. Darville spent most of Wednesday morning meeting with the top brass at Celebration Cruise Line, including company president Charles Kinner. The Celebration sails four times weekly between Grand Bahama Island and West Palm Beach Florida.
The company announced that this year they will have provided over 50,000 room nights and will have landed 200,000 passengers on Grand Bahama Island.
Minister Darville described his meeting with top management of the cruise line as being “excellent.”
He said Grand Bahama has gone through some turbulent times “and we are very pleased to know that the Celebration Cruise Line is committed to the island of Grand Bahama and the future growth and development of what we are trying to accomplish here.
“Today we had an excellent meeting. The meeting was very fruitful. We would also like to thank the Hutchison Whampoa group for what has happened today.
“We are all committed to the growth and development of Grand Bahama. I am optimistic about the future and I am beginning to see not just a light down the tunnel, but I am beginning too see real growth and development in our tourism industry.”
Minister Darville told Celebration’s executives that the Government of The Bahamas is pleased with what they are doing and is prepared to work hand and hand with the cruise line to make it into something special for the island of Grand Bahama.
Continuing he added that while the company had some concerns, which the Government will address, that he is very optimistic about what we are about to see in Grand Bahama.
“I want to thank you for your commitment to the island of Grand Bahama. For the last three to four years you have been here in the dry season, but the future looks bright,” he told the company executives.
Mr. Darville also stressed that his Ministry in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism are in the process of redefining the model for tourism on Grand Bahama and they see Celebration Cruise Line as a part of the direction that we are headed.
Minister Darville firmly believes that more Bahamians can play a role in the cruise ship industry, by working onboard the various ships that call at the Lucayan Harbour or elsewhere in The Bahamas.
He said that Bahamians working on the vessels could serve two purposes, firstly to learn the industry, and secondly they could serve as ambassadors onboard the various ships.
“If you think about, who is better to inform the visitors on board these ships about The Bahamas. It’s a given, it has to be Bahamians, The Bahamas is their home. So Bahamians working aboard could also be a plus for the cruise lines, while also helping our unemployment situation,” he said while chatting about the meeting.
Celebration president, Charles Kinner, told the media that “with the new government in place, we look to the future with even greater enthusiasm.”
He said that through recent meetings with the Minister of Tourism, Obie Wilchcombe, Dr. Darville and Tourism Director General David Johnson, they have been assured of continued government support through, instant rebates for hotel stays and joint marketing efforts.
He added that “Celebration Cruise Line also understands that we too must invest in the future of the island, because we are now a part of this island and our futures follow the same course.”
Mr. Kinner also used the occasion to inform that his company has signed a new two-year contract with the Grand Lucayan Resort, ensuring the continued growth and recovery.
He said they are also seeking new and diverse ways to create more activity and revenue flowing through the island.
“Whether it is working with the government to achieve common goals, providing room nights to the hotels and resort, or planning for the future through time shares, Celebration Cruise Line is proud of our ever growing relationship with the government, businesses and people of Grand Bahama Island,” he stated.
By SIMON LEWIS
Bahamas Information Services
Caption: Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville, is pictured with top executives of Celebration Cruise Line following their meeting on Wednesday morning. Pictured left to right are: James Velrillo, Celebration Cruise Line; Dr. Darville; Charles Kinner, president of Celebration Cruise Line; Melvin Seymour, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Grand Bahama; and Daniel Lambert, Celebration Cruise Line.
