The St. Lucia government Thursday reiterated its position that it would not support the financially troubled regional airline, LIAT, unless there are changes to the structure of the Antigua-based airline.
Ahead of next week’s meeting of LIAT shareholders and directors in Barbados Prime Minister Allen Chastanet told reporters that LIAT must change, amid concerns of a worsening financial crisis that could probably lead to the airline being grounded.
Noting that the airline is now confronted with the fact that it must change – Chatanet said he thinks that there is an absolute need and ability to have a successful airline in the region, but it must be able to intertwine business practices as well as its responsibility to provide air services to the countries,” Chastanet said. The Antigua and Barbuda government Thursday said it would “resist’ any collapse of the cashstrapped regional airline and that it has developed a “strategic approach” which will be further discussed in Barbados at month end.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne said that Cabinet had discussed the impending meetings of LIAT’s shareholders and directors to be held in Barbados next Tuesday.
He added that the Cabinet again reiterated the importance of the regional carrier to regional integration, connecting people and goods and services – and has pledged to resist any collapse of LIAT and any move to re-create its replacement.
