Please Mr. PM, help reduce LIAT airfares

15.JUN.07

Editor: Our air transport is very important to the Caribbean people. Our Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves spoke so much about affordable air service at one time, now I wonder if he has changed his mind about his government making sure that the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines get good quality air transport.{{more}}

I heard Minister Baptiste, who is Minister of Culture complain about high airfares. Her call was supported by Chairman of the Carnival Development Committee Dennis Ambrose. I have to agree with them, the airfares are too high and will have a negative effect on our Carnival if something is not done by the shareholders of LIAT.

It is being said that the high airfares had a negative effect on St. Lucia’s Jazz Festival; the question is why are airfares so expensive? Why isn’t something being done? Are the shareholders making any effort to deal with this problem?

After listening to Prime Ministers Spencer and Dr. Gonsalves saying nothing can be done soon after investing so much money, there is no ease for Caribbean people; I am hoping that after Carnival the authority will let us know if we had more or fewer visitors to Vincy Mas 2007. Remember this is our 30th year of Vincy Mas in the June-July sun.

From what I’ve been observing, Carnival will be very good this year, so please Prime Minister Gonsalves try and make airfares cheaper, remember you said you are the spokesman on LIAT. Even your Minister of Culture is begging you to make something happen in terms of reducing airfares, that’s the kind of confidence we have in you. Remember you have the answer for everything, turn this set back into opportunity. Businesses like the hoteliers, guest houses, mini bus operators, taxis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are waiting on you.

I thank you for a good job. Remember one airline should not dominate the Caribbean. You said that. I am only reminding you of what you said.

Thank you!

Kingsley DeFreitas