Caribbean governments are plotting a new course to stimulate and facilitate intra-regional travel, Prime Minister Mia Mottley today disclosed.
That plan, said the outgoing Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Chairman, includes a review of taxes, long blamed for the high cost of intra-regional travel, and matters relating to licensing.
With the final departure of LIAT 1974 Limited on route following a weekend decision by its shareholder governments to liquidate the insolvent airline and form a new carrier, Mottley signaled it would not be business as usual as efforts get underway to fill the void.
Appearing as a guest on the radio show Ladies Room aired on Power 95.1 FM in Grenada, she told listeners that while LIAT is a “treasured institution” it could not continue with millions of dollars of accumulated debt.
“It is a sad moment but, equally, we are not going to leave Caribbean people stranded, because we understand that at the core of the community is the issue of transport and communication,” she said.
The Prime Minister pointed out that a recent paper she received from the CARICOM Secretariat showed there were 38 airlines flying in the Caribbean region. Of those, nine are overseas carriers, leaving 29.
It took covid19 for this to happen???? After commissioned reports from the CDB and others told them this loooong ago. I could remember the same Antigua PM resisting this and talking about money for airports/port authorities. Smh
Best news after they killed LIAT with their taxes
It’s about time! I just never got it! Enable more movement of people by lowering the taxes and allowing airfares to be less. With more movement of people there will be more spending…on food, transportation, hotels, etc. the products and services consumed are taxed in anyway, so the governments still has a chance to benefit even more than having policies that disables all opportunities.
In the meantime sxm needs to review and overhaul all of its aviation treaties. And open skies is not a realistic option!