The Tribune

By KHRISNA RUSSELL

Deputy Chief Reporter

krussell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will visit the families of those who died in Wednesday’s tragic plane crash in Andros, telling reporters yesterday he too has been affected by this “unfortunate” event.

As he empathised with the victims’ families, Dr Minnis said he imagines the ordeal is a very difficult one with which to cope.

In the aftermath of the shocking crash, which has left the nation mourning, Education Minister Jeff Lloyd said while he is “heartbroken”, the country is again reminded of lingering concerns about the level of oversight placed on charter enterprises and whether they are being properly monitored and regulated.

“I could only say it’s very unfortunate that such an event happened and I’m a descendent of Andros so obviously it has impacted me,” Dr Minnis said on the sidelines of the Bahamas Business Outlook at Baha Mar yesterday.

Ahead of his presentation to those gathered, the prime minister asked for a moment of silence in recognition of those who died when the plane crashed in waters just off the coast of Mastic Point.

There were three men, two women and a young girl on board the small twin engine Piper Aztec.

The prime minister continued: “I’m going away on Sunday (but) before departing New Providence (I am going) to go down and visit the families and express condolences on behalf of myself and on behalf of the government of the Bahamas.

“It’s very difficult unless you’ve experienced it,” Dr Minnis also said. “But I think my mere presence is there with them and tomorrow or Saturday we’ll see them.”

For his part, Mr Lloyd said while he doesn’t want to impose further grief onto the families of those on board the ill-fated flight, there are concerns in the sector that must be addressed.

He said: “It’s devastating that today Bahamian families are suffering at the loss of their loved ones. I don’t have the full story, but we know, confirmed now that there has been a tragedy and misfortune placed upon the lives of, I think it is five or six of our persons.

“Our deepest sympathies, condolences, best wishes, prayer, (and) energetic support go out to their families today who are grieving that loss. It’s just really serious.

“When I was with you guys in the media and incidents of this nature occurred the questions always arose about the level of oversight of these charter enterprises and whether they are being properly regulated and (if) there is sufficient resources expended.

“I can remember a number of incidences, I don’t want to in this time of grief impose any further questions, but at the same time this is I think a wonderful opportunity to take a close look at how we govern and how we manage and operate our society because lives are being affected and today we say our support (is with) the family and we grieve with them on this very, very sad occasion.”

“We have to at all times in our country be in a state of vigilance and review to see how we can live better and how we can operate our country and how we can govern our country better,” Mr Lloyd continued.

“We should not need to have to wait for incidences of any kind anywhere no matter the subdivision of our lives whether it’s in business, aviation upon the arts when we have Junkanoo, when we have gaps, we should always be in a state of vigilance, scrutiny, investigation and review.

“I guess in our human condition we have to have some kind of crisis to wake us up to realise that this kind of vigilance should be underway,” he added.

Mr Lloyd said he is praying for the families as the country mourns with them.

According to reports, the aircraft disappeared while flying to New Providence. It is suspected the plane encountered bad weather shortly after its 8am take-off and attempted to return to Andros, before crashing into the ocean.