Pictured: President of Carnival Cruise Line, Christine Duffy (left) with Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson. (BIS Photo/Robyn Adderley)

Minister of State for Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson welcomed the president of Carnival Cruise Line, Christine Duffy, along with other top executives during a courtesy call November 6.

Following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian at the beginning of September, Carnival greatly assisted residents of Grand Bahama by donating much needed relief supplies.

The cruise line also returned to its regular ports of call October 11, 2019.

Additionally, Carnival also had one of its ships, Carnival Ecstasy, come to Grand Bahama Shipyard for repairs October 8, the first ship at the facility following Hurricane Dorian.

Minister Thompson thanked the group for all that they had done for the island.

When the first ship arrived bringing tourists to Grand Bahama, it gave residents a “tremendous boost.” As Port Lucaya had not yet re-opened, some of the business owners relocated temporarily so as to serve the guests, explained the Minister.

Duffy noted that “things like this are a reminder of what really matters” and Carnival is a partner with the island of Grand Bahama and will be one “for a long time.”

Carnival Cruise Lines is expected to build the largest cruise port in the Caribbean at Sharp Rock, East Grand Bahama, and is currently in the process of getting the necessary permits secured to begin.

The cruise port is expected to be completed in 2021.