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September 8, 2008
bron The Daily Herald - More news www.thedailyherald.com
Young and old gathered at Saba Airport Terminal Thursday to celebrate 45 years
of air service to Saba and to honour Jose "Pipe" Dormoy one of the pioneers who made
it all happen and who would have been 83 on Thursday. Dormoy passed away last year.
The honoured guest was Elizabeth "Elly" Delien, who helped Acting Lt. Governor Roy
Smith unveil a framed narrative of some of Dormoy's exciting life. Another exhibit
unveiled by Commissioner Chris Johnson and Terrance Rey of Air St- Maarten was the
well-known photograph of Dormoy descending from the cockpit with his ubiquitous pipe
in place. Delien has created a Foundation, "Aviation Pioneers of the Caribbean",
which honours the region's fl ying heroes. Rey is working closely with Delien to
remember these men of foresight and daring. Delien has information dating back to
the mid 1940s and hopes to get a permanent exhibit hall or museum for her collection
of artefacts. The Foundation has also discussed with the postal service a series of
stamps commemorating these early heroes and a video project is in the works. Delien
appealed to any one who has mementoes or artefacts to contact her, with the promise
that all original documentation will be scanned and returned to their owners.
Commissioner Johnson said that one of the important things about air traffic was
that it had brought people back to the island. He encouraged the younger
generations to make their home on Saba, which became open to the world because of
courageous men like Pipe. Safe air traffic to and from the island opened up the
island's potential, and this potential continues today, Johnson said. Acting Lt.
Governor Roy Smith called many old timers to the microphone, each with his or her
own remembrances of the colourful "Pipe."
Also present at the gathering were former
employees of the airport - including the first manager Leo Hassell and long time
employee Thomas Johnson, both retired. Retired Winair pilot Henky Rivers, who at age
12 was already at the controls of Pipe's airplane, had joined the group from St.
Eustatius. Many of the Sabans present, including former Lt. Governor Sydney Sorton,
recalled helping to clear Flat Point of bush and rocks for that first landing 45
years ago.
The reception closed with refreshments and entertainment by the
Occassionals String Band.
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