The scope of the Bahamian mail boat system received a shot in the arm on November 4, with the introduction of a new ultra-modern vessel – the Fiesta Mail. The 225-ft craft is owned by Limas and Elvin Taylor who, between them, have more than 30 years of experience as operators of the renowned Marcella mail boat.
“We’ve been trying to bring this project to fruition for the past five years,” says Elvin Taylor, acknowledging Dockendale Shipping as a source of considerable support during these years. His brother, Limas, addressing the crowd that had congregated to celebrate this historic event, says that it is a step forward for the entire country. “This vessel is no good for just one person; it’s for all of the Bahamian people.” This ceremony, he continued, marked his family’s achievement of its goal to “improve the mail boat system in order to make life more comfortable for all Bahamians”.
The Chinese-engineered Fiesta Mail was crafted by Tianjing Mechanical Group and Xinhe Shipyard and represents a strengthening in trade relations between The Bahamas and China amid maritime talks between the two countries, says Ambassador to China , H.E. Wu Chang Shang. “Many ships with the Bahamian flag have sailed into Chinese ports and with growing trade between China and The Bahamas, I believe that we will see more Chinese ships in The Bahamas.”
The Fiesta Mail, which boasts a seating capacity of 600, with additional room for 32 containers and 60 vehicles, also meets the building requirements of the American Bureau of Shipping. It has a cruising speed of 18 knots and is capable of making the journey from New Providence to Grand Bahama in 6 hours – a far cry from the days when this same trip could take up to three days because of inclement weather.
The Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Transport and Aviation and keynote speaker at the ceremony, says that mail boat services will always be an integral part of both the culture and transportation system of The Bahamas. “This is an awesome vessel and the implications for this country are superb.” Moreover, the Fiesta Mail will make itself available to the Ministry of Transport and Aviation in its efforts to stimulate interest among young people in maritime affairs. “This is a good example of hard work, determination and foresight,” says Hanna-Martin.
