The Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Hubert A Ingraham arrives with his wife Delores. Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry for The Bahamas Weekly

Nassau, Bahamas -- A red carpet Grand Opening Party that was everything Bahamian and more, was held on February 25, 2011 to celebrate the upcoming March 2011 opening of the new U.S. Departures Terminal at the Lynden Pindling Airport in Nassau.

This state of the art, modern and sleek looking terminal will mark The Bahamas as a winning destination in the Caribbean.   The gala party was held inside the new terminal and it appeared as though there were approximately 1000 proud invitees, media, local police officers, security and others who occupied almost 75% of the terminal’s main floor during the ceremony.   Entertainment included the bands Ting ‘Em, Visage and surprise artist Lenny Kravitz whose performance was mesmerizing. The food and decorations were top notch and the stores and restaurants were open on the second floor for the guests to tour.   The evening ended in true Bahamian style with a Junkanoo Rushout just after midnight.

Bahamian dignitaries who attended the party included the Rt Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and his wife Delores, His Excellency, Sir Arthur Foulkes, Governor General of The Bahamas and his wife Joan Lady Foulkes; Senator, the Hon. Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation; Chief Justice Sir Arthur Barnett and his wife; AG John Delaney and his wife; Minister of National Security, the Hon. Tommy Turnquest and his wife Shaun, Sir Orville Turnquest, Dame Marguerite Pindling, and many others.   Personalities included celebrity chef Mark Kearney and stage director and Las Vegas choreographer, Papote Varet who was part of the team of Island Destinations Services, the event management company responsible for the night’s amazing festivities.

Celebrity chef, Mark Kearney (far right) with guests Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry for The Bahamas Weekly

The U.S. Departures Terminal at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) is the first phase of a $409.5 million airport redevelopment project that included the construction of the 247,000-square-foot U.S. Departures Terminal near the existing terminal.   According to recent news reports, it also includes $11.7 million in capital improvements and upgrades in the current terminals, a $2 million baggage system, a new baggage carousel in the international terminals and modifications to parking facilities. NAD took over the day-to-day operations at LPIA in April 2007. It is the single largest government capital project ever taken on by the government of The Bahamas.

Stewart Steeves, President and CEO of NAD (Nassau Airport Development that manages the airport) was extremely proud of the night’s events and what has been accomplished, Verne Janzen, Project Director and all those who had a hand in the building and construction of the terminal as well as those who invested in the shops and restaurants.   The airport is named after one of the former prime ministers of The Bahamas, the late Sir Lynden Pindling and to mark the special celebration that night was the presence of his widow, Dame Marguerite Pindling and her son Obie Pindling.

On the Red Carpet - Bahamian dignitaries, NAD team members and others await the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Joan in front of the new US Departure Terminal on the Opening Night. From left to right are Miss Bahamas, Vernice Walkine, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, NAD, Sen. The Hon., Vincent Vanderpool –Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, Guest, George Casey, President and CEO Vancouver Airport Services, Mrs Steeves, Stewart Steeves, President and CEO, NAD, Delores Ingraham, the Right Hon. Hubert Ingraham, Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Frank Watson, Chairman of the Airport Authority, LPIA. Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry for The Bahamas Weekly

On the Red Carpet – His Excellency, Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Foulkes arrive at the Opening Celebrations of the Lynden Pindling International Airport’s New US Terminal. Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry for The Bahamas Weekly

Celebrity Chef Mark Kearney(left), Azaleta Ishmael-Newry, Papote Varet and Bahamas Chamber of Commerce president, Khaalis Rolle Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry for The Bahamas Weekly

Lenny Kravitz played his heart and soul for the audience. Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry for The Bahamas Weekly

Surprise guest performer, Lenny Kravitz. Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry for The Bahamas Weekly

Kerzner Executives head to the second floor celelbrations at the NAD New US Terminal Pary. Shown in the photos are Sol Kerzner, George Markantonis and J. Barry Farrington. Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry for The Bahamas Weekly

Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry for The Bahamas Weekly

Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry for The Bahamas Weekly

Shown in the photo are former Govenor General of The Bahamas, HIs Excellency, Sir Orville Turnquest to right at the counter with Glass and at left is Pablo Gazerilli of Graycliff Restaurant. Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry for The Bahamas Weekly

Bank of The Bhamas Staff enjoy the Opening Night Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry for The Bahamas Weekly Photo by Azaleta Ishmael-Newry for The Bahamas Weekly

Dignitaries: Dame Marguerite Pindling is shown seated in the blue-green gown Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry for The Bahamas Weekly

Verne Janzen, project director of NAD and his wife Brenda enjoyed the

From left to right are: Thomas Robinson, Vernon Symonette, former Speaker of The House, Officer Kenrid Neely, Frank Watson and Chef at Kafe Kalik