Junkanoo Air, a Bahamian cargo airline, saw it fit to participate in the Hurricane Mathew relief efforts, particularly in the restoration in Lowe Sound, Andros as its President is a native of Mangrove Cay, Andros. "I am a son of the soil, so it was a natural response that Junkanoo Air helped my people." said Christopher King, President of Junkanoo Air.

With flights every weekday from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas, Christopher King decided the company should purchase & donate much-needed supplies like canned goods, cases of water, baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, and cereal, just to name a few.

"It was really heartbreaking to see the devastation but it was heartwarming to see Bahamians from near and far chip in to lend their support and assistance in any way necessary to bring most hard-hit areas back to some degree of normalcy." responded Christopher when asked what was most impactful for him and his company at this time.

After the trip to North Andros, the Junkanoo Air team fully understand the state places like North Andros, Grand Bahama and some areas of Nassau are truly in. After brief discussions, Junkanoo Air saw it fit to offer discounted relief flights into the affected islands from now until 2017. All charters for relief during this period will be discounted by up to 20%.

Junkanoo Air is planning another company sponsored relief in the upcoming weeks. Anyone in the Florida area who wants to donate can contact the Junkanoo Air at relief@junkanoo.com to make arrangements.

When asked about his thoughts on recovery and how others can help, Mr. King responded; "Every little helps. No matter how small the donation, or a quiet prayer. One thing I am certain about is that our indomitable spirit as the God favored people of The Bahamas will not be broken. Not yesterday, not today, not ever! "

Junkanoo Air, a Bahamian-owned cargo airline, is now providing air cargo transport services between the U.S. (primarily South Florida), the Bahamas and surrounding countries (including Turks and Caicos, Haiti, Cuba, etc.). Junkanoo Air is authorized by the Department of Civil Aviation (Bahamas) and the Federal Aviation Authority (US) to operate commercially.

Randia Coakley

Creative Director, Azulify