Former airline executive Challenger pays tribute to the late Chairman of LIAT, Jean Holder

Jean Holder, the former Chairman of LIAT (1974) Ltd. has died.

Holder, who was described by many as a quiet but firm person, was the face of the Caribbean Tourism Authority for three decades before he became Chair of the regional carrier.

Paying tribute to Holder’s life and work, former LIAT CEO Brian Challenger says the news of his passing came as a shock.  The two had spoken in the latter part of last year, he says, and there was no indication, then, of his colleague’s imminent departure.

Challenger says Holder was the consummate Caribbean man with impeccable credentials and exemplified Caribbean nationhood.

Even as some across the region declare that LIAT is a moribund institution, Challenger explains Holder’s place in the airline’s history with the old saying, “You never miss the water until the well runs dry.”

Here, he details what he believes is Holder’s most lasting legacy.