Jamaica Observer
Dominica (CMC) –
Gaston Browne, Antigua Labour Party
Leader of the main opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP), Gaston Browne has criticised Caribbean Community
(CARICOM) governments over their failure to support the cash-strapped regional airline, LIAT.
Browne, addressing the delegates conference of the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) here on Sunday, said that the regional governments should have followed the positions adopted by Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica in becoming shareholder governments of the airline.
Browne praised Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit for becoming the latest shareholder of the Antigua-based airline, “while others unjustifiably sat on the sidelines content to benefit from its service and selfishly refusing to contribute to its service delivery.
“This is a typical example where the commitment and practice of some Caribbean leaders is incongruent to the espoused commitment of Caribbean integration,” Browne said.
LIAT – aircraft
Last month, LIAT signed a US$65 million loan with the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to finance the purchase of aircraft in the context of a fleet modernisation project.
LIAT said that the loan agreements “provide for the loans to be on lent-to and repaid by LIAT over a 13 year period following a grace period of two years”.
The fleet modernisation project involves the replacement of LIAT’s aging fleet through a combination of lease and purchase of aircraft; the transition costs associated with the changeover; the upgrade of maintenance facilities and other institutional strengthening activities.
LIAT, which flies to 21 destinations in the Caribbean, said reliable and efficient air transportation is essential for connectivity, mobility and accessibility within the region, and for some islands, LIAT provides the only air links with the rest of the region.
Browne told the DLP conference that Skerrit has had the courage “to speak out against those who pay lip to freedom of movement of people in our one Caribbean.
“He has pointed out that while our Caribbean brothers and sisters are being denied entry into our countries to contribute their skills, work permits are being issued to persons from outside the region. “Roosevelt Skerrit has stood up for regional causes and in so doing he has stood up for the rights and entitlements of Dominicans, of Barbadians, St Lucians, of Grenadians of Antigua and Barbudans,” Browne added.
