LIAT’s Vital Role in Caribbean Connectivity Celebrated by Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez
St. John’s, Antigua – The resurgent importance of LIAT in the Caribbean’s air travel landscape was underscored in a statement by Minister of Tourism, Investment, Civil Aviation, and Transport, Charles Fernandez.
Speaking at the launch event, Fernandez highlighted the airline’s critical role in ensuring regional connectivity and the broader implications for Caribbean integration.
“Today is a day to smile because it is a great day for LIAT and the Caribbean,” Fernandez began.
He recounted a recent incident where young people from the region, who were traveling for training, found themselves stranded in Barbados without a connection to Trinidad. This situation, he noted, exemplifies the essential service LIAT provides, despite the criticisms it has faced over the years.
“No matter how hard we have beaten up on LIAT over the years, at the end of the day, LIAT has always been there for all of us,” Fernandez said, emphasizing that many Caribbean families have had members who worked with the airline. He stressed LIAT’s integral role in the region, not just for travel, but for the broader goal of Caribbean integration.
The minister also recounted the emergency parliamentary session that was held on a Saturday to prevent LIAT from shutting down. “We had to ensure that we kept LIAT going,” he said, acknowledging the support of Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the cabinet.
Fernandez praised the leadership of Ambassador Davin Joseph, who chaired the efforts to keep LIAT operational. “Even when most of us had our doubts, Davin Joseph persevered and kept telling us it will be done,” Fernandez said. His commitment was instrumental in the airline’s survival and continued operations.
Reflecting on the significance of LIAT’s continuity, Fernandez noted that even those who once doubted the airline’s future, including some prime ministers within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), have now recognized its necessity.
As LIAT looks forward to 2020 and beyond, dubbed “LIAT 2.0,” Fernandez concluded by expressing optimism and congratulating all involved in the airline’s resurgence. “Congratulations to all of us, and let’s make it happen,” he said, marking a hopeful future for Caribbean air travel.
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We don’t have a problem with Lait operation, because yes we need it, it’s the people who are behind this recent venture that’s going to be the downfall of Lait.
A bunch of crooks and thieves.
That’s always being Antigua’s problem…crooks everywhere.
Max Fernández, will you be taking part in another photo shoot with your Nigerian colleague and ‘printer man’?
Just asking on behalf of those Nigerians still stranded here from the last Airlines flight fiasco.
SMILE FOR THE CAMERA MAX 😁
@Brixtonian August 6, 2024 At 7:22 pm
Brix I though the people stranded here where all Cameroonians. And I do believe by now all of them have gone to destinations they wanted to go. But as usual you have to make things up again. Because you cannot get it in your heart to congratulate the country for having delivered on a promise from day one. LIAT will fly again.
Big up to the World Boss Brix
BRIXTONIAN,you are sick man. I have never met a person more PESSIMISTIC than you. Please set an example for your Family. You are a DISGRACE to ANR. I am fed up of your criticism of the Gaston Browne administration for NO reason. This not a joke anymore. You behave like a school yard BULLY.
Always remember those who criticise Brixtonian. I will remind you that I’m very OPTIMISTIC for the future of this great great country of ours; however, my PESSIMISM comes strongly about the current incumbent who hates transparency, accountability and the Freedom of Information Act, and what it WILL uncover during his tenure. Hmm, hmm, hmm 🤔
Hell, as I’ve mentioned to you Gastonites on many occasions that ABLP’S Daryl Matthew’s can take the reigns until UPP takeover in 2028.
Respond to dat?
ISN’T FREEDOM OF SPEECH GREAT 👍🏾
Oh BTW @ CHIME, bullies aren’t normally well educated; and I can assure you that I am. Furthermore, I can take you down on ANY topic of YOUR choice …
Give it a try, I most welcome it 😁
I hope any island that let liat fly in country collect all fees monthly so that when they go belly up at least you will be only out a month fee don’t be out tens of thousands like before and don’t let them collect any departure fees all passengers traveling on liat will pay departure fees on leaving to customs directly.
@Brixtonian August 7, 2024 At 9:16 am
“Oh BTW @ CHIME, bullies aren’t normally well educated; and I can assure you that I am.”
LMAO. Brix this time you really have me cracking. But then again. You are entitle to your own opinion of yourself. Fishermen never say his fish stinks anyway. Keep it up.
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