We already know the Cayman Islands to be
one of the most beautiful places on earth; the stunning beaches and clear,
gorgeous waters are truly spectacular.
Now imagine seeing all that from above,
every day. It’s what Jerome Begot has been doing with his business, Cayman
Islands Helicopters, since he first fell for the Cayman Islands in 1998.
“I am from the Magnum, PI generation,
and was looking around the Caribbean [for somewhere to work] - a friend of mine
asked if I had ever been to Cayman. I enjoyed the quality of life, the beauty
of the island and the safety was fantastic. My friend brought me from the
airport downtown and asked me what I saw; I said it was the beautiful water. He
asked what I heard and I said ‘no helicopter’,” says Jerome.
Two years later he began starting up the
company, showing the project’s viability and going through the process.
Approval was granted in 2003 and Cayman Islands Helicopters took its first
flight in February, 2004.
A challenge was ahead though, as Ivan
intervened.
“When you can help with what you know and
rebuild the country and mind and spirit I think it’s fantastic; I am very happy
to be still here after that.”
The popular Frenchman offers a trio of
trips that are most popular with tourists; 7 Mile Beach, Stingray Tour or the
full Island tour. Of course, other routes are possible, for example to the
Sister Islands.
“The first thing people love is the
colour of the water. We take off and the first thing you hear is ‘wow’. If one
day I build another company it will be called Wow Helicopters. When we go over
the North Sound and you see the sand bar, Rum Point, all the different colours,
it’s ‘wow’ and Seven Mile Beach is ‘wow wow’. The colour of the water is number
one.
“People say, wow, Jerome, you are lucky.
And I say, ‘I know - I do not forget.’ Men are boys from when we are born ‘til
the end - I have a chance to take off every day and play with my helicopter. If
you love what you are doing, you are a lucky guy or lucky girl and you have the
best job in the world. My job is a piece of freedom; like a dragonfly.” WH
For more information or to book a
flight, call 943-4354, e-mail cihelicopters@yahoo.com or visit
caymanislandshelicopters.com.