NASSAU... (January 29th, 2013). The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) opened a new, bright and modern store in Nicholls Town, Andros much to the delight of the large crowd of residents and visitors who turned up for the occasion on Saturday January 26th.

Close to 200 people gathered in Nicholls Town for the new store opening and the catered celebratory party which included prize winning games and an all day ‘door buster’ sale on many popular products.

Chris Hinsey Snr. BTC Manager Andros, welcomed the guests and gave them a bit of history on telephoney in the Family Islands. “Andros was the first island to receive telecommunications service in The Bahamas 32 years ago,” he said. “And Andros was the first of the Family Islands to have a BTC store.” In 1979 Andros gained another first with the arrival of the digital multiplex switch, which was the first digital switching system in The Bahamas.

Shirley Ferguson a BTC retiree of Mastic Point opened the store with a cut of a plaited straw rope used in place of the more traditional ribbon, to emphasize BTC’s appreciation and support of Bahamian culture. Music was performed by the the North Andros High School Band. Among the fun games were many chances to win prizes and appreciation ‘goody-bags’ and give-aways. Anyone with a really ‘beaten-up’ phone had a chance to win a new one based on the phones condition, what they had to say about it and why they should be the one to win a new one.

Tellis Symonette, Sr. BTC VP Commercial & Family Islands, gave the vote of thanks and said he was sure they would enjoy the new store. “I am sure you are going to enjoy this beautiful store, the friendly staff and their good service and all the new phones and accessories. The store is 1,800 square feet and we spent approximately $200,000 to give you something special.

It is a total transformation from the previous store and mirrors some of the modern interior details of our stores in Nassau.” The ultra-modern interior is complimented by a beautiful wall mural painted by artist Allan Wallace. It depicts a young boy throwing a pebble in to the waters of the famed Andros Blue Hole with the legendary Andros Crab also featured. Andros resident Vashti Miller sand the National Anthem and the Reverend Philip Campbell gave the prayer of blessing.