Freeport Harbour was a buzz of activity as the island welcomed its newest ferry passenger vessel, Balearia's ‘Bahama Mama,’ Thursday.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by a cross-section of the Grand Bahama community including Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Joy Jibrilu, parliamentarians, officials from the Grand Bahama Port Authority and businessmen.

Those travelling on the vessel from Port Everglades agreed that even though the conditions were windy and the seas rough, their voyage was a smooth one.

Mrs. Jibrilu said, "today we usher in a new age in transportation to Grand Bahama Island in our continued pursuit to stay connected to the world and more specifically, our American neighbours.

"This brand new, state-of-the-art luxurious vessel will act as a travelling ambassador to and from Florida and, as I describe it, Paradise, as it shuttles visitors and Bahamians alike. This new vessel also represents a bond between nations and the link that, I think, we all would agree is undeniable. We also recognize our steadfast partner in this pursuit, Balearia - without you, none of this would be possible."

Chairman of Balearia, Adolfo Utor, pledged continued support to Grand Bahama, and added that they will continue to invest and grow in the country, and hoped they continued to have everyone's support.

He said, "We have the ambition to grow within the Bahamian Islands and in all of the Caribbean."

Mikayla Lewis, winner of the contest to name the new vessel, received a round trip travel voucher for her family and a care pack from the Ministry of Tourism.

PLAQUE EXCHANGE - As a part of the Inauguration Ceremony for Balearia's Bahama Mama's maiden voyage to Freeport from Port Everglades, Thursday, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Joy Jibrilu, and Aldolfo Utor, Chairman of Balearia, exchanged plaques. Also shown at right is Nuvolari Chathosingh, manager of Maritime Affairs. (BIS Photo/Andrew Miller)