Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - February 7, 2025

HOT

PVD Part I - Bermuda

Rhode Island International Airport (PVD) is announcing that BermudAir, the flag carrier airline of Bermuda, will begin offering nonstop service from PVD to Bermuda's L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA).

It will begin on May 22, 2025, and operate year-round, twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays.

The airport recently gained acclaim as New England's fastest-growing hub airport, surpassing 4 million passengers in 2024.

“We are thrilled to welcome BermudAir to Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport,” said Iftikhar Ahmad, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. “These new and exciting nonstop connections are all part of our commitment to connecting Rhode Island's business and leisure travelers with premier destinations across the globe.”

“Bermuda and New England have always shared a special connection, and we’re thrilled to make travel between the two even more convenient,” said Adam Scott, Founder & CEO at BermudAir. “With this new nonstop route, Rhode Islanders can swap the mainland for an island escape in just a few short hours, enjoying the relaxation, adventure, and rich culture Bermuda has to offer—all with the comfort and reliability of BermudAir.”

“The Rhode Island Airport Corporation is proud that BermudAir has chosen to expand their service at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport,” said Jonathan N. Savage, Board Chair of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. “This new nonstop connection will allow local travelers to experience Bermuda's vibrant island culture, while also providing Bermudians an opportunity to enjoy their own “Rhode Island getaway” and enjoy all that New England has to offer.”

PHOTO: Kino, Unsplash

HOT

Kristen Adamo

Kudos to Kristen Adamo, who has now marked 20 years at the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitor Bureau. 

For the last five years, she has served as the president and CEO.

She keeps inventing -- winter parties, the new Culinary Collective, and the comedy festival. 

Adamo has been one of the most inventive and creative leaders in Rhode Island.

PHOTO: Watefires

HOT

Patrice Wood

This week, venerable TV anchor Patrice Wood celebrates 45 years at WJAR.

Well done.

HOT

From URI to the NBA

GoLocal sports columnist Jim Malachowski had a great feature on the wonderful success of former URI player Jeff Dowtin:

Jeff Dowtin, Jr. is in his fourth year in the NBA and currently plays under a two-way contract for the Philadelphia 76ers. When asked about life in the NBA, he said, “It’s great. There are a lot of ups and downs and a lot of traveling. There is a lot of great basketball, so I am excited as I am living the dream.”

Looking back over the last 10 years while they were playing in college, which URI basketball players would you have predicted would play in the NBA?

The casual fan probably would not have Dowtin on their list. But those connected to the URI program who knew him well and knew his ability to make good decisions, clutch play, passion for the game.

READ MORE

PHOTO: URI

HOT

A Special Graduation

 At the end of January, a graduation ceremony was held on the New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) campus. They were the first graduates of a pilot program that teaches welding at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) Minimum Security facility. 

This welding program, which was launched in partnership with RIDOC, NEIT, PolarisMEP and the Rhode Island Marine Trades Council in September 2024, is part of a series of RIDOC initiatives aimed at giving those individuals housed inside the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) the skills needed to find employment when they return to their communities, thereby lowering Rhode Island’s recidivism rate. 

The selection process for the program is competitive. Once on-site at NEIT's welding lab, students learn a code of conduct, safety, grinding, torch operations, welding symbols, sizing, joint configuration, Stick, Arc, Tig, and Spray welding, among other skills, totaling approximately 350 hours in the classroom. Students also attend Vantage Point to assist them during their reentry, when they are ready to go back home. Post-release, PolarisMEP will work with students to help them in their search for employment in the welding industry. They will also provide case management and post-release services. 

RIDOC Director Wayne Salisbury said: “This is a significant achievement for these individuals who stepped up and chose to apply themselves in such a constructive way. Reducing recidivism is among my top priorities, and it is my hope to be able to offer programs like this one to more members within our population.” Salisbury continued: “It is important that we provide opportunities to individuals who are willing to grow. This accomplishment is something no one can take away from them.” 

PHOTO: Alan Kotok CC:2.0

HOT

PVD Part II - Breeze and International Flights Coming Soon

The flights to Bermuda are PVD's newest international destination as the airport prepares to welcome the further expansion of international travel at PVD announced in 2024 by Breeze CEO David Neeleman.

Neelman recently stated that Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approvals to being international routes are expected by the end of March. Over the past four years, GoLocal has been tracking Breeze's efforts to bring international flights to PVD.

NOT

Absurd

The claim by Peter Alviti that the Washington Bridge demolition was planned (see yellow barge submerged in photo) and intended to send one of the barges underwater and for another to be listing in the Seekonk River is consistent with the other claims by the McKee administration and Alviti over the past 14 months.

SEE THE STORY GOLOCAL BROKE LAST WEEKEND.

NOT

QUESTION: Do you know when Peter Alviti is lying?

See the bottom for the answer

ANSWER: When his lips are moving.

PHOTO: RIDOT