PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands; Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - The Owner and Chairman of Carnival Corporation Mr. Michael Arison, along with his wife Madeline Arison, made their first visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands earlier today, Tuesday October 28th 2008. Accompanying the Arison's were Mr. Giora Israel, Vice President of Strategic Planning and Port Development.
Acting Premier and Minister of Works Hon. Jeffery Hall, along with Hon. McAllister Hanchell, Minister of Natural Resources and Mike Reimers of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, welcomed the investors upon their arrival at the JAGS McCartney International Airport.
After a brief exchange of courtesies, the delegation was taken on a short tour of the island. With Grand Turk in its rebuilding stage, the couple got a first hand view of the devastation that was left behind after the passage of Hurricane Ike.
Following a tour of the down town, and the surrounding areas, the delegation ended at the Grand Turk Cruise Center, as Mr. Arison was anxious to see how the Cruise Center held up through the storm. The Grand Turk port was the second port that Mr. Arison has visited since opening his chain of cruise ports, the only other is the cruise port in Mexico.
To his surprise, the cruise center was fully operational and intact. Next, Mr. Aricen accompanied by both Ministers, went to meet the Captain of the Carnival ship that was moored at the dock.
In light of the occasion being Mr. Arison's first trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands, employees at the cruise center surprised him with a plaque to show their appreciation for all he has done for them.
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