Antigua & Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne is preparing to presenta strategic approach for LIAT, and says his government pledges “to resist any collapse of LIAT and any move to create its replacement”

Following Prime Minister of St Vincent & the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves’ recent remarks that regional carrier LIAT’s closure is imminent, and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley’s revelation that she was “engaging the European Investment Bank (EIB) for available options in the transportation sector,” Antigua & Barbuda Prime Minister, Gaston Browne will be putting forward a strategic approach for discussion and subsequent approval at LIAT’s shareholders and directors meeting in Barbados on Tuesday.
 
Previously, Gonsalves noted that regional governments have not been responding to a call for new funding so the shareholders are now reaching a critical point and there will be a transitional restructuring leading to a closure of LIAT.
 
Browne gave the assurance that his government will never allow LIAT to go under, promising to make Antigua’s contribution of US$960,310. This amount represents part of LIAT’s previous request for emergency funding form regional governments totaling US$5.4 million.
 
Antigua & Barbuda has a 13% shareholding in LIAT in addition to its major economic interest of saving the jobs of hundreds of local workers.
 
At LIAT’s shareholders and directors meeting in Barbados on Tuesday, Browne and his delegation will reiterate the social and economic aspects of LIAT, table a strategic approach on the way forward, and his government’s pledge “to resist any collapse of LIAT and any move to create its replacement