Speaking at the launch of FIFA sponsored Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Technical Centre at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Monday, the Trinidad and Tobago Transport Minister admitted that he had some initial concerns about the deal, which he questioned while in opposition.
However he said he is now "comfortable" with it after assurances from Captain Burrell in Jamaica and his technical staff in Port of Spain.
"I wasn't in favour of saving Air Jamaica originally, as I didn't think it was in Trinidad and Tobago's best interest...But (Captain) Burrell...called me to look into the possibilities of Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica co-existing, and benefiting each other.
"After speaking with him, I then went back to my technical people, and they said it could work, with both airlines operating at a world-class standard. It was then I decided to sign the US$49.5 million take-over deal," he said.
"I hope this is the last time I will have to say this, but there is no need to worry, and on October 21 when the contract is signed it will signal a new beginning for Air Jamaica, just as it is the case today with football," he declared.
His assurances echo the comments made two months ago at the CARICOM summit in Jamaica by Trinidad and Tobago prime minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar that her government would honour the deal.
Caribbean Airlines took over Air Jamaica's operations in May. The deal gives the Trinidad and Tobago government majority shareholder in the Jamaican national carrier.
Read the story: CAL to take over Air Jamaica by July 1, become Jamaica's official carrier
No comments:
Post a Comment