Antigua-Barbuda PM calls for rationality in addressing regional airfares
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| Published on Friday, May 25, 2007 |
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GRAND ANSE, Grenada: Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and Outgoing Chairman of the OECS Authority, Baldwin Spencer has called on his colleagues to remain focused as the shareholder governments grapple with putting regional airline LIAT on a firm footing.
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| Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Baldwin Spencer |
While addressing the Opening Ceremony of the 45th Meeting of the OECS Authority in Grenada on Wednesday, Spencer said that the airline issues is one of the many challenges that are faced by the sub-region as they work towards improving the quality of life for the peoples of the OECS.
"We share the concern expressed in many quarters regarding the recent escalation in the cost of inter-regional air travel, reflected in the rise in ticket cost. We must, however, proceed to address this on a rational and clearly programmed basis," he said.
He outlined that the merger arrangements between LIAT and Caribbean Star Airlines need to be finalized and put in place. "The streamlining that is consonant with that step must proceed with dispatch. We can then address the issue of air fares with a view to their effective rationalization, and most importantly, their stabilization," Spencer pointed out.
"We must be proactive and clear-sighted on this matter, rather than responding to short-term adjustments with inappropriate measures. Let us do things properly," he said.
This week, the shareholder governments of the airline which include Antigua and Barbuda and St Vincent and the Grenadines announced that the merger arrangements are expected to be completed by June 15.
The merger will see the ownership of the new airline "LIAT The Star of the Caribbean," being 65% owned by Caribbean Shareholder governments and other LIAT shareholders and 35% to the Stanford Financial Group. |
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