Caribbean Times 96th Issue - Tuesday 20th September 2016

10 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g
Tuesday 20th September 2016
St. Vincent not putting a cent more
in LIAT until service improves
KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent
and the Grenadines –
One of LIAT’s major shareholder
governments, St.
Vincent and the Grenadines,
has told the beleaguered airline
that it won’t be getting
a cent more until service to
the island is “significantly
improved”.
St. Vincent and the
Grenadines made its position
clear on the heels of a
meeting with representatives
of the beleaguered regional
carrier in Kingstown on
Wednesday. While he has
often defended LIAT in the
past, Prime Minister Dr.
Ralph Gonsalves appeared
to have reached the end of
his rope with poor service to
the island in recent weeks,
Secretary-General of the Caribbean
Community (CARICOM) Ambassador
Irwin LaRocque said that there was
much to be proud of as St Kitts and Nevis
reflected on its period of nationhood.
On the eve of the observance of the
St Kitts and Nevis’ 33rd anniversary of
Independence on Monday, the Secretary-General
pointed to the substantial
progress that the CARICOM Member
State had made in its quest for sustainable
development.
In a message to Prime Minister Dr
Timothy Harris, the Secretary-General
said that the progress was testimony to
the commitment, dedication and resilience
of the citizens and the wisdom of
and his administration had
demanded the meeting to
discuss the matter.
During that meeting, the
St. Vincent officials highlighted
the various challenges
facing the travelling
public, including lack of
information on delays and
cancellation of flights.
In a statement issued by
Prime Minister Gonsalves’
office on Thursday the government
– which had recently
been approached
by LIAT for EC$810,000
(US$300,000) to assist in
its operations – said it was
expecting improved service
very soon.
the leaders of St. Kitts and Nevis.
On behalf of the Caribbean Community
(CARICOM), I extend hearty
congratulations to the Government and
people of St. Kitts and Nevis on the 33rd
Anniversary of the nation’s Independence.
Prime Minister, as you and the people
of St. Kitts and Nevis celebrate this
milestone under the theme “Promoting
Prosperity through Sustainability and
National Unity”, there is much to be
proud of as you reflect on the period of
nationhood.
The substantial progress that
the country has made in its quest for
sustainable development is testimony
It disclosed that LIAT
had agreed to review the
schedule of flights in and out
of the country within a week
to better serve the public;
review the turnaround time
of aircraft to reduce delays;
consider a return of a direct
Puerto Rico-St Vincent and
the Grenadines flight; and
improve customer service
by providing more information
to the travelling public
regarding delays and cancellations.
The statement said both
the government and LIAT
were satisfied with the outcome
of the discussions and
travellers “should look forward
to an enhanced service
as promised by LIAT”. (Caribbean360)
‘There is much to be proud of’ – Caricom
Secretary General tells St. Kitts and Nevis
to the commitment, dedication and
resilience of its citizens and the wisdom
of its leaders. Kittitians and Nevisians
have also made their mark globally
in many fields, including academics,
culture, law and sport.
Prime Minister, the Community
looks forward to St. Kitts and Nevis
continuing to provide leadership in
Human Resource Development, Health
and the battle against HIV/AIDS. That
leadership is no doubt rooted in your
country’s steadfast dedication to
regional integration.
May the Government and people of
St. Kitts and Nevis enjoy the well-earned
celebration of this historic day.”