CMC – The Antigua and Barbuda government says it is prepared to purchase the shares owned by the Barbados government in the cash-strapped regional airline LIAT, if Bridgetown indicates it is willing to sell them.
“My understanding is that the Barbados government may be thinking of ridding themselves of the shares of LIAT. If that is in fact so then we will take them up, I am sure of that,” Attorney General Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin told reporters here.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who was here attending the special Caribbean Community (CARICOM) summit on security did not officially commented on the statement by Benjamin, who did not confirm or deny media reports in his country that the offer to purchase the shares are contained in a proposal that St. John’s had submitted to shareholder governments during a meeting earlier this week on the financial and other problems facing the regional carrier.
“…but I dare say we are determined nonetheless that we have seen a change in the attitude of our partners in the region. They understand the situation that LIAT must remain flying.
“Indeed I believe another country has come on board and has made a donation as well and I am satisfied to the extent that I feel sure that they will all come on board at the material point in time,” he added.
Earlier this week, the shareholder governments – Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines – agreed to give further consideration to a proposal by Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne regarding the future direction of the airline.
St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that Antigua and Barbuda had made an oral presentation to the meeting and would present a written document over the next few days.
“The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda presented orally a proposal and the proposal would be put into writing within a week and this proposal involves among other things a particular way to finance the keeping of the three planes owned by the CDB (Caribbean Development Bank) “
Gonsalves said that there had been a suggestion that the planes be sold as part of a “”slim down of LIAT” and there’s a general agreement amongst some shareholders that this is a matter which merits very serious consideration.
He said he hopes that the proposal from Antigua and Barbuda would be discussed by the shareholders “before the end of May is out.
“They have put it on the table orally, but they will submit in writing for further study…and that proposal is gathering support from most shareholders,” he said, adding “what it means in effect that these planes will not be sold.
“There will be additional resources put in without selling these planes,” he added.
The shareholder governments have been asking other Caribbean governments to provide financial assistance to the Antigua-based airline that services 15 Caribbean countries.
Gonsalves confirmed that St. Kitts-Nevis had joined Grenada in responding positively to the call for raising US$5.4 million to help the airline deal with its current financial problems.
St Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said last week that Castries would not contribute any funds unless there’s a significant change to the airline’s structure.
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JADE,don't get confused but Barbados bears the BRUNT ,others CONTRIBUTE...but BARBADOS CONTRIBUTES MORE and that is called the BRUNT
@Alex Alleyne...actually St.Lucia is in Barbados' corner...they want a CHANGE in the OPERATIONS just as Barbados......it is ANTIGUA that is STALLING ANY CHANGES...they don't want to LISTEN to other Countries advice but want to BULLY everyone into accepting theirs...see what they gone and do?...want to buy out BDOS shares as though Bdos doesn't understand their REASONS.
Don't sell ANYTHING to ANTIGUA....stick to YOUR plans AND GO THROUGH WITH THEM.
@Donald i guess you are right about politics getting in the way with LIAT. The sad thing is that somebody will come along and run it as a business and it will be profitable. We only have to look at how the PSVS work with many owners expanding their fleet, while at the same time the Transport Board loses millions and is down to 40 buses.
Many of us on this side of the Atlantic will invest in LIAT if shares are offer , but the Management will have to be changed along with the style/way of doing business.
We must make sure that LIAT keep flying and not how ANTIGUA want it to be at their "whims & fancy".
Did Barbados not support the St. Lucia Leader in rolling him into office?.
Is American Eagle likely to make a come back in the Caribbean?
@JOHN - "Make it known that effective June 1st all passengers boarding flights originating from non participating islands will pay $100Usd extra per ticket until such time as their island participates as a shareholder in LIAT".
Excellent idea John but remember one thing here, you are dealing with Caribbean peeps who seem unable to think rationally and logically as soon as they obtain a position of authority.
Any modicum of common sense seems to go out the window as soon as these peeps become politicians.
Sad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wunna think MIA stupid or something? all ya think MIA is FUMBEL STUART?
ALL those who have been following this LIAT crisis knows that ANTIGUA wants Bdos' shares so that they would have the MAJORITY then to turn around and say since they NOW have the MAJORITY the Headquarters would HAVE to remain in Antigua.
....but the thing is although BDOS has the MAJORITY right now, he is against moving the Headquarters here.
PM MIA...Browne trying to pull a stunt on you...show he that you got more sense than he.
DONILD TRIMP : "A group of educated fools. Common in the Caribbean."
Ossie Moore : You said that right !
It would be folly for Barbados to sell its present shares in LIAT, but of course, we have a BLP Administration that is loaded with all the best brains one could find. They have enough brains as to adopt many of the former DLP proposed projects, rename them and cloak them with new paint, and market them to the cheers of a gullible crowd. All the politicians in this issue, are out to serve their own interest, as opposed to the overall sustainability of LIAT.
I don't see why Antigua would want to buy a share of an entity that is making such large loses. The answer is to force the free loading islands to pay one way or another. If they don't cough up what is required then take it from them directly. Make it known that effective June 1st all passengers boarding flights originating from non participating islands will pay $100Usd extra per ticket until such time as their island participates as a shareholder in LIAT. Problem solved and let the PMS in those island face the fury of their own people.
Can't for the life of me understand why the current owners of LIAT don't stop talking and drop the hammer on the free loaders.
Hell no. Don't sell the shares to Antigua!!!