Re LIAT
August 15, 2013
Dr. Jean Holder (R.I.P.) was the Chairman of LIAT. Given my interest in/support for LIAT, from time to time, I wrote to him on concerns and issues pertaining to LIAT.
Dr. Jean Holder (R.I.P.) was the Chairman of LIAT. Given my interest in/support for LIAT, from time to time, I wrote to him on concerns and issues pertaining to LIAT.
I trust, Sirs, that a significant and crucial part of the new LIAT are plans to REPAIR and RESTORE the faith of the people of the region in LIAT. I trust that this is a COMMITMENT of all concerned – shareholders, board of directors, management and staff at all levels and that there is a collective effort in this regard. I am therefore at a loss to understand the recent industrial action taken by pilots and most recently by flight attendants. I do not doubt that there are legitimate grievances. I would hope that ALL issues were taken on board during the negotiation stage and a commitment given as to HOW and WHEN they would be resolved. Didn’t this transaction just SAVE a number of JOBS?
As a citizen of the OECS sub-region that is served by LIAT, I have been following with great interest the proposed LIAT-Caribbean Star merger. In keeping with Article XXIV of the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society, “Awareness and Responsibilities of the People” , I have taken the opportunity to offer my observations and queries to the distinguished Prime Ministers representing the principal Caribbean Shareholder Governments
It seems that some of the OECS Heads are looking for a scapegoat – someone or something to blame for their inattention to the critical issue of air transport in the region. LIAT seems to be a ready scapegoat.
Over its thirty odd years of existence, LIAT has struggled. We, the people of the region, have seen airlines come and airlines go but LIAT has remained, loyally serving we the people of the region. Permit me, therefore, to offer my appreciation to your governments, as the principal shareholders, of LIAT (1974), whose commitment has ensured that LIAT remained in the skies.
The awards should be motivating athletes to try to obtain sporting scholarships, which facilitate access to top coaches and participation in international meets. I therefore suggest, Madam, that given its intent, the OECS Sports Desk could be more innovative, without sacrificing the recognition of excellence.
I write to you to express my grave concern and utter disappointment over the manner in which the criteria for the above-referenced awards seems to have been fixed in order to eliminate consideration of the best performance for this award.