Thirty years ago, I believe it was just before Independence, I was appointed President of The Bahamas’ leading wine, spirit and beer company.  That was a significant milestone in my personal life.  This year, 2003, marks a number of important and noteworthy anniversaries.

Thirty years of existence is important and reason for celebration in the life of any corporate entity.  It is particularly significant in the context of Bahamasair given its turbulent history.

Bahamasair has endured more than its fair share of ups and downs and has been the subject of much public criticism and butt of many uncomplimentary jokes.

However, as I mentioned yesterday at a Town Meeting in Andros, some members of the traveling public have been less than honest and objective in regard to Bahamasair because other airlines, all of them, have experienced their share of delays and cancellations with the passengers passively accepting it and the local press virtually silent in regard to their shortcomings.

Members of the Board and I believe that after the many false starts and bumps in the road along the way, Bahamasair is now poised to take off in a direction that would truly bring pride to the staff of the National Flag Carrier and to all Bahamians alike.

Of course as I have repeatedly mentioned it is absolutely necessary for the airline to bring its expenses into line with the rest of the industry and the Government’s resources for it to survive.  It is my hope and prayer that the Unions accept the reality and gravity of this situation as has been the case with many airline unions around the world, so that we can quickly move on in a positive way.

At this time I would like to congratulate Mrs. Nelerene Harding on her rise to the presidency of the AAAWU and wish her and the rest of her executives a very successful and productive term in office.  At the same time I would like to wish Mr. Frank Carter all the best as he demits office and hope that the company and the Union can now, in a spirit of cooperation take the airline to new heights.

Warmest congratulations also go out to the group of Dispatchers who recently qualified under what I understand to be quite rigid and grueling standards.  It once again goes to show that we have good staff who once they commit themselves can be valuable contributors to the airline.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am also elated by the fact that at long last Bahamasair has finally received its Certification from the Regulators.  I have it here in my hand with the ink still wet.  It is yet another major milestone in the history of the company and most worthy of celebration.

Congratulations to the hardworking staff that poured so much into making it happen.  I am told the Flight Standards Inspectorate (FSI) of the Department of Civil Aviation was very supportive and cooperative as the exercise progressed, appreciating the magnitude of the effort and the fact that it was a first for us.

There are 34 among you who have persevered through the entire 30 year history of Bahamasair.  I would like to congratulate you on your loyalty and commitment to the National Flag Carrier.  You have I am sure, seen good times and bad times but you stuck with it.  We will be honoring and saluting you today and quite deservedly so.    Your perseverance and the safety record of Bahamasair rivals the best of airlines.  You may not have always gotten it right but you always got your passengers there safely.

To all the staff of Bahamasair I should like to say that my Government wants to see a successful National Flag carrier.  We believe that the plans the Board has laid out can make Bahamasair the envy of the Region and a true competitor in the Global aviation arena.

I implore all of you to embrace this opportunity because the alternatives are much less promising.  The Government will continue to do its part.  You are called upon to do yours.

Congratulations once again to all of you on achieving this wonderful 30 year milestone and I wish you another 30 years that will be marked by success and praise.

Good Luck and Safe Flying.