Bahamas News Briefs

West End Airport, Grand Bahama Island now open

The West End Airport (MYGW) became available for use as of June 1, 2014.

The private airport has 6,000 feet of paved runway and is a daytime only, VFR only, airport. Instrument approaches are not available nor are night landings/takeoffs permitted. The airport is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. but only if prior arrangements have been made. The ICAO code is MYGW and the IATA code is WTD.

Only aircraft, which have been pre-approved by West End Airport Management and Bahamas ATC, may land. This requires that the registration number of the aircraft be submitted and approved. To determine if an aircraft is already approved or to pre-approve one, the registration number must be submitted to Ashley Smith, Airport Manager, at AshleyJamesSmith1940@gmail.com or call (242-727-1335).

Pre-approved aircraft must give 24-hours prior by direct telephone notice (not via voice message) to Mr. Smith so that customs and immigration can be scheduled to meet the aircraft. Departures also require a 24-hour notice.

Airport fees and charges are being finalized at this time. Maximum aircraft landing weight limits also apply. No fuel, GPU or aircraft tug services currently available.

In celebration of the airport opening, Old Bahama Bay is offering a Private Pilot package: a $300 credit for 4-night and longer stays. For specific details, visit www.oldbahamabay.com.

4th Annual Lionfish Bash coming up August 15-17 at Bimini Sands Resort and Marina

PHOTO CREDIT: Bimini Sands Resort and Marina.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bimini Sands Resort and Marina.

Bimini Sands Resort and Marina on South Bimini will play host to the Lionfish Bash, a popular charitable summer fishing event for the fourth year in a row on Aug. 15-17, 2014.

The Lionfish Bash is a family-friendly spearfishing event that was created in 2011 to raise awareness about lionfish, as well as to benefit The Woody Foundation, a Miami-based non-profit organization that raises funds to aid in the recovery of persons with spinal injuries. Prizes and trophies will be awarded for the largest lionfish and the most lionfish caught during the tournament, as well as other categories.

The registration fee for the event is $200 for a boat with four anglers, which includes the awards banquet at the conclusion of the tournament, a happy hour, t-shirts, raffle tickets, and goodie bag. Bimini Sands’ 40-foot dive boat, the Dive God, will be available for those who want to participate in the Lionfish Bash but don’t have their own boats, for $50 per person. Guests who don’t want to spearfish but wish to attend the other events also may sign up for $50 per person.

For more information and Lionfish Bash event registration, please visit http://www.woodyfoundation.org/event/4th-annual-lionfish-bash/.