Several Vincentians are among the crew and jetBlue staff expected to be on board the airline’s inaugural flight to St. Vincent on Wednesday.
The lead flight attendant is Stephanie Austin, the daughter of Vincentian Gideon “Fessy” York, a renowned business and cultural icon within the Vincentian diaspora community in New York.
“Her role as lead flight attendant symbolises the deep connection between the diaspora and the homeland,” the SVG Tourism Authority said in a press release.
Additionally, two jetBlue’s IT team members, Nigel Hewitt and Ronald Porter Jr., will be on the inaugural flight.
“Both bring strong Vincentian ties and pride,” the authority said, adding that Hewitt, born in New York, is the son of Clem Hewitt, a key figure in Vincentian cultural history as a member of the famous Bridge Boys Carnival Band of the past.
“His presence on this flight serves as a link between generations of Vincentian cultural preservation.”
Porter was born in SVG and is the nephew of Sir Robert Milton Cato, the country’s first prime minister, “further deepening the connection between this historic flight and the nation’s legacy”.
The Tourism Authority said that as jetBlue launches this new route, “it is particularly meaningful that members of the Vincentian community — both in New York and in St. Vincent and the Grenadines — are an integral part of this journey, showcasing their dedication and talent”.
The authority said that the Government of SVG is excited about the new jetBlue service, adding that it will not only boost tourism but also foster deeper ties between Vincentians in the diaspora and their home country.
Minister of Tourism Carlos James expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming flight.
“The arrival of jetBlue’s inaugural flight to our shores is not just a momentous occasion for tourism, but a symbol of the strength and unity of the Vincentian people, both at home and abroad,” James said.
“The presence of proud Vincentians like Stephanie Austin, Nigel Hewitt, and Ronald Porter Jr. onboard, who are deeply connected to our heritage, highlights the significance of this event. We are eager to welcome them, and this new route, which will help strengthen the bonds between our diaspora and our homeland.”
“A symbol of the strength and unity of the Vincentian people both at home and abroad.” How does this translate to money for our economy? There will be tourist all year round spending money? AIA is still in it’s infancy, looking for tourist so I don’t think other than semantics this is going to make a big difference.
Good lord…
How many of the extreme poverty will be able to eat ah food?
Good Lord is right, I am amazed at the level of stupidity from these “educated fools” who can’t seem to get their out of the sand and the their minds from the gutter. There is absolutely no objectivity or anything positive in their minds.
No wonder we are a backward country who can’t see straight.