Less than a week after the Prime Minister of St.Vincent and the Grenadines shocked the Region by stating that his Government will pump no more money in Liat unless the Airline improves, St.Lucia’s Prime Minister, a longtime critic of the regional carrier, says he is not convinced that LIAT can fulfill all the needs of the region.
Allen Chastanet says he always makes the comparison between the Bahamas and the OECS to prove his argument. Chastanet said the Bahamas has a population of 370,000 people while the OECS has 700,000 – one million with the inclusion of Barbados.
According to the Saint Lucia Leader, there is absolutely no way that LIAT, with one type of aircraft can meet all the needs of the region. Chastanet, a former Tourism Minister, believes that there should be no debate on that matter as the proof was clear. He said the shareholders of LIAT will have to determine whether the carrier can make money with its current structure.
Prime Minister Chastanet disclosed that Saint Lucia will be announcing initiatives very soon to open up its own skies to facilitate competition.
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