By Macushla N. Pinder
For the widow of the late former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling, the renaming of Nassau International Airport on Thursday was a humbling experience.
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Marguerite Lady Pindling listens to tributes paid to her late husband during the airport renaming ceremony on Thursday. (Photo by Stephen Gay) |
"It may be long overdue, but nothing happens before time," said Marguerite Lady Pindling, as a Junkanoo group paraded up the street, adding to the celebratory atmosphere that appeared fitting for the occasion.
"Whatever time it took to become a reality, I think it is the right time, and on behalf of my children, I would like to thank the government and the people of The Bahamas for honouring my husband."
During the renaming ceremony, Prime Minister Perry Christie also paid tribute to Lady Pindling and her children - Senator Michelle Pindling-Sands, Monique Pindling-Johnson, Obie and Leslie Pindling.
"Our nation is indebted to all of you because in many ways, your loss was our gain," the prime minister said.
"The time that you gave up so that your husband and father could more completely devote himself to the service of the Bahamian people represented a huge personal sacrifice on your part that deserves to be recognized and appreciated more often."
Mr. Christie also noted that the contributions of Lady Pindling also merit national recognition, which has not yet been adequately expressed.
He did however assure that this will be rectified as best as the government can do so.
The renaming of Nassau International Airport came as the government prepared to seal a final agreement for the management of the facility.
What is now formally known as the Lynden Pindling International Airport is set to undergo a multimillion-dollar upgrade to become a world-class facility.
Both Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin and Prime Minister Christie have said on numerous occasions that the airport will be something all Bahamians can be proud of.
"My government is about to embark on a new and defining experience at this airport," the prime minister said.
"This will involve a new approach through long-term, first class international management and an expansion, renovation and refurbishment that will give The Bahamas a truly world class international airport."
He added, "Our commitment is directly linked to ensuring that as the billions of dollars in resort expansion continue in Nassau and on the Family Islands, we for our part would have guaranteed that the major gateway for the country matches in every aspect the new and modern facility."
Tourism leaders see the airport’s present condition as a drag on growth in that industry.
Kerzner International Chairman Sol Kerzner, for instance, has on more than one occasion expressed disappointment that it is taking so long for the government to improve the facility, which he once labeled one of the worse airports in the world.
While some have argued that the renaming ceremony should have taken place after the airport’s upgrade, Lady Pindling said otherwise.
"I think with the renaming being done before the renovation would give them more impetus to go on to really get it moving," she said during an interview with the Bahama Journal after the ceremony.
"I think because of the name, we might take a little more pride in wanting it completed."
