THE MONTHLY GLEANER | SEPTEMBER 8 - OCTOBER 8, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 2 “We are excited about the economic opportunities this new service unlocks for Connecticut and look forward to building on our relationship with the country of Jamaica,” said David Lehman, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. Importantly, direct flight service presents significant potential for reducing the time and lowering the cost of shipping Jamaican products by air to the American city with the third largest Jamaican community in the United States. Goods are currently shipped via New York and Boston. Additionally, the start of direct flights is expected to give fillip to a sister city partnership between Kingston and Groton/New London that went cold after the agreement was signed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Consul General to New York Alsion Wilson had led a Jamaican delegation to Connecticut in December 2019, prior to the pandemic, to begin discussions on the sister city relationship. She returned in February 2021 to sign the agreement with the mayors, City Council and local authorities in the Groton/New London area. State Representative Bobby Gibson, along with Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, accompanied Spirit Airlines and Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) representatives as they announce the start of the airline’s nonstop service from Hartford’s Bradley International Airport to Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, beginning December 15. Spirit plans to offer the service year-round, four times per week. Gibson and the leadership of theWest Indian Social Club of Hartford were instrumental to Spirit’s decision to commence non-stop flights between Jamaica and Connecticut. The governor was quoted as saying: “Today’s announcement with Spirit Airlines not only makes it easier for our state’s residents to directly travel to Jamaica, but it also strengthens Bradley’s reputation as one of the best andmost convenient airports available. Bradley is a key economic driver for Connecticut, and the more airlines and destinations that we can add from the airport, the more attractive our state becomes to companies that are seeking to grow their own operations here. I am excited that we are partnering with Spirit Airlines tomake direct travel between Connecticut and Jamaica a reality, and I look forward to the airline’s continued growth in our state.” Jamaica-bornViolette Haldane, president of the West Indian Foundation (WIF), said: “The direct flights will be a great benefit to elderly Jamaicans wanting to travel back home and now will be able to avoid going through airport connections that make travel more difficult and challenging for them.” WILSON State Representative Bobby Gibson (left) receives a Spirit airplane model from John Kirby (right), Spirit’s VP of network and planning, following the announcement of direct flights between Hartford and Montego Bay at the Sheraton Hotel at Bradley International Airport on September 1. In the background is Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. CONTRIBUTED FLIGHT Continued from, 1 ‘We are excited about the economic opportunities this new service unlocks for Connecticut and look forward to building on our relationship with the country of Jamaica.’ Psychic Advisor offering Spiritual Guidance Will reveal past, present and future. Reunites lovers. Restores luck, love and money. Reconnect with past loved ones..! CALL: 714-855-7401 Guaranteed Results 100% MOTHER MARY
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