LIAT issues to be discussed at CARICOM summit

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LOOP NEWS:

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne Tuesday described as “inescapable” discussions with fellow Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders on the future direction of the inter-regional airline, LIAT, when they meet in Trinidad and Tobago next week. 

 

The leaders will be meeting from July 3 to 5 for their annual summit, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the regional integration grouping. 

 

Browne has been among those in the forefront seeking to reverse the fortunes of the Antigua-based airline, which entered into administration in July 2020 following increased debt and the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

 Its main shareholder are the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines and regional trade unions say their members are owed millions of dollars in severance payments and other benefits. 

 

“It is inescapable, we have to discuss the issue of transportation.

 

 I know that there are many countries within the integration movement which see this issue as, I would say an insular issue, but again, I think LIAT should be respected as a CARICOM institution and that they should be a regional commitment to re-stirring it in the interest of Caribbean people” Browne said that LIAT is needed for greater connectivity “and to ensure that Caribbean people could move and move readily.

 

 “You cannot have a successful integration movement if the people cannot move,” he said, adding “I am just hoping we can go past the insularity and the national priorities”. 

 

Browne said that there are “regional competing forces that would like to see the demise of LIAT” but it is important to recognise the importance of the airline that could complement the efforts of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines (CAL). 

 

“And that ultimately some form of publicly funded transportation will be critical to achieving sustainable transportation in the region. 

 

This flawed notion that we must rely exclusively on private sector assets, it is not a sustainable solution and Antigua and Barbuda believes that ultimately a re-organised, capitalised LIAT, a new LIAT leaving all of the legacy issues behind. 

 

One that will operate professionally, one that will operate on a profit basis that will be the answer to our regional transportation woes.”

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15 COMMENTS

  1. These meetings must be really void of idea. How much longer will this be an agenda item or it’s all part of the agenda of these so called honorable men to clean the treasuries all over with their meeting after meeting.

  2. The topic of LIAT is not the only ” inescapable” issue that will be up for discussion. The issue of ANTIGUA AIRWAYS AND THE AFRICAN MIGRANTS will also be high on the minds of regional heads. These migrants ended up in many different Caribbean islands and when asked, where you coming from the answers are always the same…”ANTIGUA”. Regional leaders will be looking to the TOP DAWG for answers and accountability. Kind

  3. Dissecting the rhetorical BS. Part 1: “Inescapable discussions”: one would assume LIAT is on the Agenda. How would we know? That’s not how CARICOM operates. It’s mostly about flag raising and issuing of a press release stating that the integration movement is still a work in progress; and when it comes to LIAT, Guiana is flush with oil and has just turned down membership in the Arab led oil cartel. So what do they need LIAT for? Trinidad has Caribbean Airlines and could easily serve the Eastern Caribbean market. So what do they need LIAT for?
    Barbados and Saint Vincent has already moved on with alternative plans
    The LIAT Unions who are the unfortunate victims and the parasites are holding on.
    We have gone from Antigua Airlines that turns out to be a human trafficking endeavor
    Africa Peace who principal is reported to be a wanted man.
    A Private Chinese investor seemingly has left the scene or did not exist.
    Now we are back to the regional integration movement where we know ain’t sh**t going to happen.
    I say take some the revenues from the auction Alpha Nero boat down at Falmouth and take care of the LIAT workers
    To be continued…

  4. As long as politicians own LIAT, it will never be run professionally. Caribbean Airlines is opening a base in Antigua for 4 new planes and has hired many former LIAT pilots. Inter-Caribbean Airlines is also expanding with new planes.

  5. Part 2: “And that ultimately some form of publicly funded transportation will be critical to achieving sustainable transportation in the region.
    ”Really?
    The only way to have regional transportation is for local governments to subsidize it. That is an oxymoron if there is such a thing U all think about it. The fact that it has to be subsidized says it’s not a sustainable business.
    That’s coming from a person who is supposed to have a finance background.
    He even adds “This flawed notion that we must rely exclusively on private sector assets”. What socialism school did this character attend?
    A business that’s financed and sustained by private sector assets is a flawed notion says the person who claims world class leadership: Gimme a break! You all!

    • Working in a bank does not make anyone a wise banker. The Prime Minister is talking through his hat as per usual. LIAT has been a bottomless pit over the years, not profitable and apparently irredeemable. Government is always cash strapped yet continually pokes its nose in with subsidies it can ill afford. Since it is such a drain on the public purse then find an entrepreneur who might make it a success; that surely would not be a government especilly one that is always on its financial knees. Surely PM Browne must have learned something of value while working in a bank. Give me a break.

  6. It’s unfortunate that the opposition parties have no alternatives to address the craziness that is going on.
    For a chairwoman of the leading opposition party to say the proceeds of the selling of the Alpha Nero should go to the people of Ukraine is stupider than beyond beliefs.
    If the laws says it’s Antigua money (and jury is still out on that); how about the LIAT workers?
    How about dedicating it to the infrastructure development?
    Why would I believe UPP is any more concerned about the welfare of the Antigua and Barbudan people?

    • Everybody talking about the liat workers yes they need to be paid but like you all for getting the most important thing that kept liat flying the customers who are still owed money in the sum of over 11 million us dollars SMFH you think anyone in they right mine would book a flight with LIAT again without getting they money back.

  7. They need to set up a caricom.meeting will only LIAT on the agenda
    LIAT is too important for regional integration to be left hanging

  8. @• and Caribbean Observer
    The fact that they have not been able call or refer to Caricom anything but a “Movement”, says so much about Caribbean institutions

  9. ONE THOUGHT OR TWO
    “……..but it is important to recognise the importance of the airline (LIAT) that could complement the efforts of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines (CAL).”
    Based on this article and all comments: Does the PM have an opportunity at the sideline of the upcoming CARICOM meeting to meet with, discuss and explore with, T&T and Jamaica the feasibity of Caribbean Airlines and LIAT2020 operational arrangements?
    Can LIAT2020 target at this time primarily OECS and under-served markets for its travel services?
    This idea for LIAT2020 currently might be an acceptable rationalization for its operations.

    Let us interact with humility, grace, good intentions! Be nice to each other!

    Save our Humanity, Save our Youths, Save our Environment, Save our Soil!!!

    Respect

  10. ONE THOUGHT OR TWO
    “We must all do the best we can…..Whatever the situation we’re in….NEVER GIVE UP!”

    Let us interact with humility, grace, good intentions! Be nice to each other!

    Save our Humanity, Save our Youths, Save our Environment, Save our Soil!!!

    Respect

Comments are closed.