As region clamours for improved air transport, Tabor says PM Browne failed to capitalize early enough on LIAT (2020)
Damani Tabor, the public relations officer (PRO) for the United
Progressive Party (UPP), says Prime Minister Gaston Browne
dropped the ball in getting other regional heads on board with the
idea of a LIAT (2020) Ltd. coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
LIAT (1974) Ltd. is to be laid to rest as Prime Minister Browne
moves ahead with plans to start a new airline – in partnership with
a Nigerian private carrier, Air Peace.
Last Thursday, August 31, the Cabinet met with the Development
Commissioner, who has been assigned to negotiate the terms of a
governing agreement between LIAT (2020) Ltd. and the principals
of Air Peace.
The Government has also indicated that arrangements are being
negotiated between LIAT (2020) Ltd. and the administrator of LIAT
(1974) Ltd., Cleveland Seaforth, concerning the purchase of the
airline’s assets.
The Browne Administration claims that the English-speaking
Caribbean press has carried stories that tout LIAT as a necessary
development partner throughout the region that must be
resuscitated.
However, while other States have been pursuing the establishment
of another airline that would not compete on LIAT’s routes, LIAT
(2020) is more than a year ahead in its planning. Hence, it is likely
to outperform the competitors, the most recent Cabinet Notes say.
It is expected that LIAT (2020) will have a total of six planes and,
reportedly, it has already secured the required Air Operating
Certificate (AOC).
Meanwhile, St. Vincent & The Grenadines is interested in starting
another regional carrier, and the Caribbean Development Bank
(CDB) has prepared a document to revive regional air travel that
does not include LIAT (2020).
Tabor says the UPP continues to monitor this situation. He notes
that the Labour Party Government clearly failed to exploit the
opportunity that existed – and which, seemingly, no longer exists –
to build regional cooperation around LIAT being the region’s anchor
airline.
Further, he says the treatment of the airline’s former workers has
added to the situation in which other heads prefer not to work with
Antigua and Barbuda to launch a LIAT (2020).
Tabor says that no one has sufficient trust in the Browne
Administration to take his calls for collaboration and discussion
seriously.
Accordingly, he views the situation as a missed opportunity and a
total fail and says this is deeply regrettable.
Meanwhile, reports out of Nigeria say that Air Peace is in deep
financial trouble. Addressing the Government’s continued interest
in pursuing a relationship with the carrier – in spite of the reports –
Tabor says this planned arrangement should be reconsidered.
