By Robyn Adderley
Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson on Wednesday, November 6, welcomed the President of Carnival Cruise Line, Christine Duffy, along with other top executives.
Following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian at the beginning of September, Carnival greatly assisted residents of Grand Bahama by donating much needed relief supplies. The cruise line also returned to their regular ports of call on Friday, October 11, 2019.
Additionally, Carnival also had one of their ships, Carnival Ecstasy, come to Grand Bahama Shipyard for repairs October 8, the first ship at the facility following Hurricane Dorian.
Minister Thompson thanked the group for all that they have done for the island. He said when Carnival Ecstasy came to the island for repairs, it was “significant to us” as the power and water had just been restored. Describing the move as “impactful” the Minister added the importance of getting people back to work.
When the first ship arrived bringing tourists to Grand Bahama, it gave residents a “tremendous boost.” As Port Lucaya had not yet re-opened, some of the business owners relocated temporarily so as to serve the guests, explained the Minister.
As her first visit back to the island since the storm, Ms. Duffy noted that “things like this are a reminder of what really matters” and Carnival is a partner with the island of Grand Bahama and will be one “for a long time.”
Carnival Cruise Lines is expected to build the largest cruise port in the Caribbean in Sharp Rock, East Grand Bahama, and is currently in the process of getting the necessary permits secured to begin.
The delegation returned to the ship, Carnival Glory, which hosted GirlCon for 250 high school young ladies.
The cruise port is expected to be completed in 2021.
COURTESY CALL – President of Carnival Cruise Line, Christine Duffy, paid a courtesy call on Minister of State for Grand Bahama in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson on Wednesday, during her first trip back to Grand Bahama since Hurricane Dorian. Ms. Duffy was accompanied by other top Carnival executives.
(BIS Photo/Robyn Adderley)
