The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

SOME 60 licenced skydivers are in Grand Bahama for the first Bahama Beach skydiving event at West End, performing daily parachute jumps until February 12.

The group makes jumps from 14,000ft above the clear waters between 10am and 5pm, landing at the beach at the Old Bahama Bay Resort.

The event is organised by Sky's The Limit, a skydiving company based in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation.

Bleachers have been erected at the resort so that local residents and aviation enthusiasts can watch the jumps.

Jeff Root, CEO and owner of Sky's The Limit, said Old Bahama Bay is a wonderful location. He said the jumpers are excited to be on the island and to participate in the sport they love.

"It is our hope that we can make this event in Grand Bahama an annual one for aviation members," he said.

The Ministry of Tourism assisted the group in obtaining necessary permits and approvals from the Departments of Civil Aviation, Customs and Immigration.

Pilot Greg Rolle, senior director of sports and vertical markets at the ministry, said: "This is prime example of private enterprise working cohesively with the public sector and we couldn't have been more excited to work alongside such a reputable and influential body.

"The economic injection, particularly into the West End community and the added interest generated from its marketing are beneficial to the destination especially at this crucial period," he said.