The Tribune

PRIME Minister Perry Christie mourned the death of Bahamasair Managing Director Henry Woods, who died in a South Florida hospital yesterday.

“It is with a profound sense of personal loss that I mark the passing of one of my dearest friends, Henry ‘Trottie’ Woods, the managing director of our nation’s national flag carrier, Bahamasair,” Mr Christie said in a statement.

He added that he was at Mr Woods’ bedside at the University of Miami Hospital when he died. Also there were Mr Woods’ wife, Gayle, his daughter, Phylicia, other family members and friends, including “perhaps his closest friend” Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, and Minister of Labour and National Insurance Shane Gibson, Mr Christie said.

“Mr Woods was a towering figure in Bahamian aviation for decades,” the prime minister added. “He was a superb professional who led by example, putting in exceptionally long hours and demonstrating an unswerving commitment to productivity and efficiency.

“Imbued with a deep understanding of Bahamasair’s mission and a determination to master its many challenges, he was, in every sense of the term, the heart and soul of the flag carrier. His interest in the welfare of its workers at all echelons of the organisation, his sense of duty to the travelling public, and his absolute insistence on adherence to the most rigorous safety standards were just some of the many things that distinguished Mr Woods’ stellar stewardship of Bahamasair all through the years.

“In addition to all that, Mr. Woods was a loyal and faithful friend of many years. I will miss him enormously.”

Mr Christie added that the nation “mourns the loss of one of its finest citizens and dedicated nation builders.”

According to a statement released by Bahamasair, Mr Woods died at 12.07pm Thursday.

His career with the airline spanned 40 years, the statement said.

“Through his many efforts Bahamasair has seen massive improvements in so many areas of performance,” the airline said. “We ask that the nation continue to cover his family in prayer during this very difficult time.”

Yesterday, Bishop Walter Hanchell of Great Commission Ministries, also expressed condolences to Mr Woods’ family.

“Henry Woods was a great nation builder and a man with impeccable character,” Bishop Hanchell said. “His passing is a tremendous loss to the nation.”