The government of Barbados has signaled an interest in joining Antigua and
Barbuda in establishing an air bridge linking the Caribbean with the African
continent, most notably the country of Nigeria, its most populous nation.
This has emerged from discussions taking place at the level of the Cabinet where
Prime Minister Gaston Browne reported that he has held discussions with the
Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, who assured him that Barbados will
collaborate with Antigua and Barbuda to support the air bridge between Africa and
the Caribbean.
The Cabinet spokesman, Ambassador Lionel Hurst told media representatives that
not only is Barbados indicating an interest in being part of the air bridge
arrangement, but it also appears willing to join Antigua and Barbuda in some way
to get LIAT 2020 up and running.
Asked why the change of heart by Barbados, Hurst suggested that the difficulties
that Caribbean travelers face trying to get to other destinations within the region
may have caused leaders to have a new fresher look at the possibilities of helping
to establish LIAT 2020.
Antigua and Barbuda has been vigorously pursuing this objective for more than
one year. The Development Commissioner, Ambassador Daven Joseph, the
Solicitor General, Martin Camacho, and a member of the LIAT 2020
board, Captain Arthur Senhouse brought to Cabinet an agreement with Air Peace
which the Prime Minister signed.
Air Peace will become the funding source for LIAT (2020) and now owns 70% of
the shares, while 30% will go towards Antigua and Barbuda at this time.
A team from Antigua and Barbuda has traveled to Barbados to commence
consultations on making a LIAT (2020) viable. The Cabinet was informed that
support is also likely forthcoming from Dominica and St. Vincent.
Meanwhile, all flights by LIAT have been halted due to a lack of adequate
equipment. According to Hurst, the airline has been operating a single aircraft for
some time and the engines have reached the flying hours that require immediate
service. Arrangements are currently being put in place to ensure that the lone
aircraft which, until the maintenance is complete, the service offered by LIAT is
suspended.
