September 23, 2003
Bid to Change Airport Name to "Lynden Pindling Airport"
The Crown Prince of Dubai is investing $550 million to upgrade his country's airport in a bid to create the world's largest tourism "mecca". The plans call for a new Atlantis development by Kerzner International, owners of the fabulous Atlantis resort on Paradise Island.
The Bahamas government is considering upgrades to the Nassau International Airport as well.
Forget runways and departure terminals, forget security and luggage handlers. The visionaries in the Bahamas' government have a better idea. Rename the airport "Lynden Pindling Airport".
In what can only be considered raw irony, the Tribune newspaper today covers an article concerning Atlantis' new focus on a huge development in Dubai. The article reports that the Sheikh of Dubai, Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has agreed to a $550 million expansion of his country's airport, designed to serve 100 airlines from over 140 countries around the world.
On the same page is an article reporting how the Bahamas National Cultural Development Commission has submitted a proposal calling for the Nassau International Airport to be renamed "The Lynden Pindling Airport" after the allegedly drug smeared former Prime Minister.
With pressure on the Christie government to live up to its commitment to improve the airport, the only thing accomplished so far is the proposal to rename it after a man who some say is partly to blame for the decline in tourism market share the nation has suffered over the past twenty years.
One would think that all government resources would be focused on salvaging the Bahamas tourism industry, which has been battered by a growing international reputation for lackluster service, increasing crime, anti-foreigner sentiment and exhorbitant costs in the former vacation paradise.
Also, in the same newspaper today, is an editorial entitled, "Wanted: a first-class airport." The editorial points out that one of the biggest concerns, regarding Atlantis' Phase III expansion on Paradise Island, is the horrid condition of this country's third rate airport and the inability to properly accommodate the increased number of tourist arrivals that the new Phase III development will need, to be profitable.
The editor suggests that PM Christie must be aware that if the Bahamas is to move forward, government must remove its heavy hand of control over the airport.
The article also reminds readers that despite all the talk of plans for a first class facility, the real test is will be in implementing the plans. The editorial goes on to say that no matter how many plans are made and commisisons appointed, government does not have the money required for such a substantial upgrade. And the key will be the management of any improved facility that does materialise.
"And if Mr. Christie is planning the same type of management that we have had in the past, a management that has been unable to make decisions because of political interference, then he is wasting everybody's time. The Bahamas will be left with the same third world airport."
But, the article alludes, before any plans are made, there are severe social problems that must be addressed. Improvements are drastically needed in the level of service that tourists receive while visiting the Bahamas, reductions in crime and anti-foreigner attitudes must be made, pollution and litter must be eliminated, the taxi union must agree to an orderly system of handling passengers, arguments among vendors vying for tourist dollars must stop or at least be dealt with out of earshot of guests and more value has to be given for the tourist's vacation dollar.
Posted by admin at September 23, 2003 11:21 AM