Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Charles Fernandez today boarded the Freewinds cruise ship, the largest continuous running cruise ship in the Caribbean, meeting with ship officials to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the vessel’s maiden voyage and 30 years since the Freewinds first called to Antigua.
Joining the Tourism Minister for the special celebration were, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Walter Christopher, Principle Assistant Secretary Marvo Richards, Operations Manager within the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Javier Jacobs, Brysons Shipping Chief Operations Officer Carl King, and other tourism representatives.
In a plaque presentation to Captain Mike Napier, and Freewinds Officials which included, Port Captain Kenneth Weber, Jes Anderson Public Affairs Officer and Ruddy Rodriguez, former Miss Universe representative from Venezuela and noted film actress in South America and Freewinds ‘The Way to Happiness’ Ambassador, the Minister recognized the commitment that Freewinds has to the country of Antigua and Barbuda and the indelible mark the ship has made on the Caribbean region, through its humanitarian mission to uplift the people of the Caribbean.
“Whether organizing and conducting cultural programs, to sponsoring drug education and human rights education programs for youth, or environmental programmes, the activities of the Freewinds are commendable and very much appreciated.
“For your support of this region, and of Antigua and Barbuda in particular, you are to be roundly applauded! We hold your kindness and generosity in high esteem, and we thank you for all you have done over the past 31 years for Antigua and Barbuda and the region at large and look forward to deepening our relationship with you, and working with you,” said Minister Fernandez.
The Tourism Minister also highlighted product development initiatives being made by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to include the Global Ports and Royal Caribbean development to enhance the cruise port facilities, and the ban on plastic bags and Styrofoam containers in the destination.
Captain Napier of the Freewinds thanked Minister Fernandez, and noted that, “It has been a great pleasure and an honour to be a part of the community, and we will continue to do so and contribute to Antigua and Barbuda tourism. The Freewinds has enjoyed calling to Antigua over these years and has made many friends. The Freewinds always looks forward to her return to Antigua.”
The Freewinds first set sail in June 1988, from her home port of Curacao. The ship first called in Antigua in June 1989 and has visited the country many times over the years.
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Why no mention of who owns the ship? It is not a cruise ship in the traditional sense, as since 1986 it has been owned by the church of scientology, and you cannot book a room on there. There has also been at least one case (reported by ABC and IBT) of a person being imprisoned long term on the ship, to prevent her from leaving the religion.
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