Thank You and Farewell, Namibia!

The Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair, bid Namibia farewell on Monday after nearly two weeks in the port of Walvis Bay.

During her stay from 5 July to 21 July she welcomed over 40,000 visitors.

Captain Cristian Montaner of the Logos Hope expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Namibian people for their hospitality and ‘helping heart’ during the Logos Hope’s stay. He made these remarks at a thank-you reception hosted on board the ship on their last night in Walvis Bay.

“Sometimes you visit places that are so green, so rich, with so much wealth, but the heart is not there. And you have the heart. I experienced friendliness. You know, that’s a cliché for you guys. In other places, it’s not. You go to Europe, and it’s not the same. You guys have it in your hearts, and you mean it. You mean it. And kindness. Some might say, ‘No, they’re easy going.’ No, you guys are punctual. You deliver, but you are calm. There’s no panic. Thank you.”

Montaner emphasized that with all the people they came in contact with, from immigration to the ship’s agent, each person was willing and ready to serve and overcome whatever challenge arose.

“We just needed to make a phone call. ‘Let me connect you with...’ ‘Let me talk to...’ Do it yourself, you know. A helping heart. We struggled to resolve some shipping issues, but there was always someone who had an idea. You guys made it possible.”

“Wherever we went, the media made us so famous; everyone knew about the ship. All the taxi drivers were like, ‘Ah, from the boat.’ It’s incredible. That’s not normal. I mean, I walk here, and the little boys are like, ‘Oh, I think that’s the captain.’ ‘Mom, that’s the captain.’ I never experienced things like that. You guys have been an example for me of active involvement in something you believe is good. And if you believe that the ship ministry, what we do, is good, we are privileged. And we are thankful. On the ship, it’s all about doing what you say. And you guys take it seriously. And that’s why we were able to make things possible.”

The ship’s leadership praised Erongo Governor Neville Andre, who was involved in preparing for the ship’s arrival from day one.

“Where in the world do you have political authorities that involve themselves so much? Nowadays, politicians rarely associate with religious organizations. That can hurt their careers. But the mayors, the governor—they all supported us. We believe in our God. And I see that fear of God everywhere. And I think that’s why you have oil, you have gas. Because you are a blessed country. Because you have the fear of the Lord in your hearts,” Montaner added.

Cliff Shikuambi, of the Namibia Ports Authority (Namport) Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement, announced that Namport would be waiving all port and marine charges for the ship’s visit.

“We appreciate that the Logos Hope is not just a ship, but indeed a beacon of knowledge, help, and hope that has called on our country, as well as the services rendered to the Namibian community. As the Port Authority, docking the Logos Hope has exposed us to more ports around the world.”

“As the Logos Hope, you indeed embody the spirit of generosity and service that resonates very deeply with us here at the Namibian Port Authority. We recognize that education is a powerful tool for change, and we are proud to support this very noble cause.”

Mayor of Walvis Bay Trevino Forbes also emphasized that the ship’s visit to Walvis Bay has made a lasting impact on the harbour town as well as surrounding towns.

Not only could visitors check out the more than 5,000 book titles on board or enjoy an ice cream at the International Café, but the ship’s crew also conducted various outreach projects in Omaruru, Gobabis, and Utuseb, where they assisted at the JP Brand Primary School, which suffered fire damage in May.