The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT - Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin was in Grand Bahama over the weekend to tour the various government agencies within her portfolio as well as the island's private sector port facilities.

Ms Martin was accompanied by State Minister Hope Strachan, Permanent Secretary Diana Lightbourne and other officials.

They were taken on a tour of the Grand Bahama International Airport which included the control tower, the Air Traffic Department and the Met Office.

Mrs Hanna-Martin said the government will fully reinstate the Met Office as a matter of policy.

She said: "As you know the service was private and then it was discontinued.

"As a matter of policy we have determined that, that office will be reinstated by the Bahamas government - there is already someone there now.

"We have funding in our budget now to staff the office here; we will bring meteorologists who will be able to help with the advisory process in aviation ... in the event of storm conditions."

Tyrone Basden of the Bahamas Met Office, said the re-establishment of the Freeport weather service is vital because it will allow weather observations from the northern Bahamas to be forwarded to the central office in New Providence.

"The service has always been important to us. As you know the Grand Bahama area is known for frequent water spouts and tornado activity.

"So to have ongoing weather observations from Grand Bahama would be ideal," he said.

Mr Basden said the Freeport Met office now has one staff members, who works 7am-3pm, Monday through Friday.

According to Mrs Hanna-Martin, a main focus of her tenure will be placing a strong emphasis on "creating a culture of safety" in aviation.

She expressed concern about the number of airplane accidents that have occurred in recent years.

The minister said: "We will sort of inculcate a culture of safety so as to minimise risk factors.

"We have had serious incidents in our history which are very strong warning signs, and we will put a premium on education of the public and stakeholders in the industry, and in enforcement."

After the airport tour, the minister met with the Grand Bahama Taxi Union president.

She then toured the Freeport Container Port, the Grand Bahama Shipyard and Freeport Harbour.

Impressed with the number of skilled Bahamians she saw, Ms Hanna-Martin noted that these private facilities are playing a pivotal role in the global maritime industry in areas such as cargo movement and ship repair.

The minister, who holds this portfolio for the second time, said the objectives of the visit were to pay a courtesy call on the island and reconnect with government agencies and stakeholders in the private sector.

"Our focus is going to be to see if we can enhance the quality of service we offer to the public through the various government departments.

"I also feel it was important for us to see the ship repair facility, container port, and the harbour to get a full understanding of the role these port facilities play in the maritime world," she said.

Mrs Hanna-Martin also visited the Port Department, the Post Office and the Road Traffic Department.