Nassau, Bahamas  – What began as a rainy morning, brightened into as a successful, sunny one for locals in New Bight, Cat Island yesterday!    As a spacious 33 seater, SkyBahamas aircraft touched down at the New Bight Airport in Cat Island, a group of students from local schools, community leaders and a few onlookers welcomed the plane with loud and exciting cheers yesterday morning.  

The Inaugural Flight was the first flight to commence new service into the island. As passengers disembarked the aircraft, they were greeted on the red carpet by a host of island officials and community leaders.   Some of which included, Mr. Charles King, Sr. Island Administrator, Mr. Alfred Daniels, Deputy Chief Councilor, Ms. Beverly Thacker, Ministry of Education Superintendant, and Pamela Poitier, from Ministry of Tourism.  

The program began promptly with a welcoming selection from a local Rake and Scrape group known as Bo Hog and The Rooters.   The program continued with remarks and prayers from local religious leaders, including Rev. Kevin Russell, administrator of the Old Bight Gospel Chapel Mission Home in New Bight as well as Rev. Christopher King who prayed a special blessing for the plane and the new route.

Capt. Butler giving Keynote Address. Photo: Melissa Cartwright

The keynote address was brought by the company CEO/President, Capt. Randy Butler.   His speech included company goals and values as well as making good on the company’s promise two months ago to bring services to the island.  Capt. Butler stated, “… we promised you that in short order we will return to the island to make available to you scheduled, superior and safe travel services.   Much has changed economically since then.   But a promise is a promise.   Our word is our bond, and today is a delivery on our commitment to Cat Island to give them the superior first-class service that they deserve.”

A few of the company’s Board members were also in attendance at the ceremony, including, Board Chairman, Mr. Peter Turnquest, who brought the Welcome and Purpose and Board Member, Capt. Steve Mitchell, who brought the Vote of Thanks.

During the ceremony Capt. Butler and the SkyBahamas Board Members presented the Ministry of Education with a state-of-the-art Ricoh Aficio copier, which was graciously accepted by Superintendant Beverley Thacker.

The ceremony concluded with the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, a tour of the aircraft and a light reception afterward.

To make reservations for Cat Island, persons may purchase their tickets at the SkyBahamas counter at the New Bight, Airport or they may call Nassau Reservations at 377-8993 or 377-8777.   Customers may also email their reservations at reservation@skybahamas.net.

Sr. Island Administrator, Charles King, giving remarks. Photo: Melissa Cartwright

Local Cat Islanders enjoying the program. Photo: Melissa Cartwright

Capt. Butler and Board Members presenting copier to Ministry of Education. L-R SkyBahamas Board Member, Capt. Steve Mitchell, Ministry of Education Superintendant, Ms. Beverly Thacker, SkyBahamas Board Chairman, Mr. Peter Turnquest. Photo: Melissa Cartwright

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