The Tribune

THE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism welcomed the MS Island Sky cruise ship to Inagua, a move to strengthening stop over visitor experience to that most southern island.

Agriculture Minister V Alfred Gray and Tourism officials greeted the captain, crew and passengers as they boarded the vessel in mid-sea on Monday.

A plaque exchange ceremony took place in the lounge area where Mr Gray, on behalf of Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe, said it was a great pleasure welcoming passengers and crew to “the best kept secret” in the world.

Mr Gray presented a glass Junkanoo doll to Captain Hakan Gustafsson, Master of ms Island Sky, who in turn gave a framed photograph of the luxury liner.

“This is a hidden gem and you can now return to your home city and let all your family and friends know that you have seen paradise on earth,” Mr Gray said.

It is the second time the ms Island Sky, one of the London-based Caledonian Sky flagships has called on the Southern Bahamas. Its inaugural call was on January 27, at Acklins Island. There, visitors received native teas, baked goods and Bahamian dishes and souvenirs.

The ms Island is described as one of the finest small ships in the world. It can accommodate up to 114 passengers, has unusually large suites, luxurious public areas and spacious outside decks.

Inagua is the third largest island in the Bahamas chain of 700 islands and cays. And despite its size, it is pristine and largely undeveloped.

“The undeveloped state of this island is entirely intentional because the wisdom of Inaguaians has caused them to realise that this place should be a haven from city life. This is a sanctuary – a place where weary souls can escape bustling crowds, hustling traffic, gridlock and the stresses of life,” Mr Gray said.

Inagua is also home to a massive national park under the protection of the Bahamas National Trust. It is home to the largest population of West Indian Flamingoes – approximately 80,000; wild donkeys, Morton salt production, historic lighthouse, amongst other attractions.

“We hope that the Island Sky would return here in the near future as we have so much to offer,” Mr Gray said.

Hope Strachan, Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, said that the cruise ship call on the island was a “wonderful shot” in the arm for tourism, and a marketing strategy towards a group of people.