“When I Heard About It I Cried, It Brings Back Bad Memories”

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The fatal Independence Day Plane Crash in North Andros still heavy on the hearts of thousands of Bahamians.

Killed were ten people, including a teen, Androsians, a popular DJ, and bandmates.

As the nation mourns the loss, few can relate to the pain like Algerene Russell, who lost her son Valentino Knowles in a 2018 crash.

It was a mother’s worst nightmare, as Knowles was among six who tragically died after a Bahamian registered light aircraft that crashed in waters off the east coast of Mastic Point, North Andros.

At the time, all that was recovered of the aircraft was a tire and pieces of the fuselage.

The few remains of her son had to be cremated, and a back in forth with lawyers and courts not making things any easier.

Now years later, with a crash affecting this very same community, she says it’s resurfaced unimaginable pain.

As for this most recent crash, the aircraft that went down on independence day was registered to Flamingo Air.

Even though it’s unrelated, Russell tells me due to a lack of reliable consistent air service on the island, she believes some pilots, known as “hackers” come and prey on those desperate to get a flight out.

She says in addition to Western Air, which comes three times a week, the government needs to do more to ensure family islanders have more reliable transportation options.

Frustrations set aside, because the pain is still real, she says the community now has to rally.