Politicians, dignitaries and public officials all filed into St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Friday to pay their final respects to former Bahamasair Managing Director Henry Woods.

In a moving tribute to his longtime friend “Trottie”, Prime Minister Perry Christie fondly remembered Woods as a great nation builder and a pioneer.

Mr. Christie added that Mr. Woods steered the nation’s flag carrier through a very dark period.

“When the history of Bahamasair is written, I’m convinced ‘Trottie” would be remembered not only as the heart and soul but in a very real sense as its savior.

“He came back at a time when the airline was in grave danger of losing its accreditation and at a time when the morale of staff and confidence of the travelling public were very low.

“Through his unwavering expectation of a constant high standard and strong work ethic, he was not only able to save Bahamasair but ensure its long term viability,” Mr. Christie said.

The prime minister added that Woods was one of his most trusted confidantes as well, constantly seeking his expertise when it was time for him to travel.

Mr. Woods died at the University of Miami Hospital in South Florida in late September after failing to regain consciousness after a procedure.
He was appointed managing director of Bahamasair in January 2006, a post he held until his death last month.
He was 63 years old.