Perhaps the hottest debate in the news or even the minds of all and sundry concerned over Jamaica as a country is over the sale of the national airline. To sell or not to sell Air Jamaica? To sell or not to sell to Trinidad? To consider or not to consider the potential acquistion-team of staffers led by Jamaica Airplane Pilots Association (JALPA) –
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Anthea, I’m so upset about this. I live in Nassau and the new owners of Air Ja have already decided to cancel all their flights here which means the only other way for us to get to JA is via the US. Travelling to JAMAICA will never be the same.
There’s no solution, at least not unless they plan to continue the flights here. In the meantime it will cost us a whole lot more to go home…. like around $700 round trip and God help the other Jamaicans who live here and don’t have a visa because when you’re travelling through the US without a visa you’re held in a room with all types of people such as deportees and criminals and you’re not allowed to leave that room until you’re flight is ready to board.
Thanks Donette, for your response! I believe that experiences like yours need to be recorded in a way that puts other Jamaicans and those responsible in your shoes. This could be a tool to better critical analysis. Selling is just one option and so far other options to impress the Government, who are humans too, have not been forthcoming. Additionally, more thought should be given to ‘the whom’ we are selling to!
Bless You. Hope our combined efforts help!
Is it not a done deal Anthea? It makes no sense this debacle of Air Jamaica’s demise. From “selling” the London routes to Virgin a few years ago (more like gave them away with extra sweets) to paying other airlines to fly to Jamaica. Things nuh right there!
Sure seems and sounds that way Natalie — however as they were two major illegalities involved, perhaps it can be stopped or paused through the Courts.. My question is even if a temporary injunction is awarded — what strategies, campaign and infrastructure do they have to ensure the RIGHT of Jamaicans is adminstered and maintained .. They waited so long to wake up.. let’s see.. I’ll support whatever seems to be able to bear good fruits.
I think every Jamaican would love to entertain the idea of JALPA taking over Air Jamaica…however they do NOT have a credible proposal (by their own admission) AND they missed the deadline for submission about a year late. All they are doing now is stoking a very dangerous fire.
ONE POINT — They didnt admit to missing any deadline..
I only entertain… Jamaicans Taking over, provided they can upfront prove how it will be managed efficiently and better each passing year!
I despise a country that is third wolrd & competing against Jamaica in a major way, openly being GIVEN the airline. I believe not enough creativity went … See moreinto the discussions which lacked critical thinking.. No lease agreement ‘wasnt considered’ for example. I think JaLPA in representing the ideal Jamaican dream should do thorough investigations, thorough research into what an and cant be done legally and otherwise.. and empower themselves AND GO FOR it .. in the interest of Jamaica, our culture and our advancement.. If they cant do that they should sit down.. BUT if they are willing to at least try.. Im on their ship…Sometimes it takes danger to test our mettle and radiate our strengths…
I’m with you the whole way on the Trinidad thing, and it hurts to see another Jamaican business going their way, but the bids were opened and JALPA didn’t submit an offer.
Leasing is not an option. Sorry…you don’t walk into Hardware and Lumber and ask to lease their lawnmower…leasing is not an option on an airline which is for sale.
Jamaica has… See more to get rid of Air Jamaica. There is no one, not you, not me, no one willing to say “for the sake of my beloved Air Jamaica, I will cover their debts each year.’ It’s like asking who will cast the first stone…are you willing to dig into your pocket each month for the ’cause’?
Another option is we could be forced to support AJ. Why doesn’t the government just raise our taxes to cover the cost of the airline?
If JALPA wants my support, show me the business plan and the financing arrangements. It’s one thing to say give us a shot at it, but so far they’ve only proven that they’re likely to fail.
Sebastian you are unaware of a key point and Anthea alluded to illegality. The folks at JALPA did say they did not make application becasue then the US$1billion debt was included and they could not afford it (that is one of reason Indigo dropped out), CA was also advised not to take it with the debt. The GOJ then changed the offer by deciding to … See moreabsorb the debt. By doing so this now changes everything and that is when Bruce flew to Trinnidad in Dec to let them know of this. So by law the bidding should have started over, becasue it is a new offering. This never happen and hence the saga will continue as it will be unfair. I hope this point clears up a lot for u
You got me.. until you said RAISE taxes… and then who will pay… Poor management fell the airline.. Proper management will raise it… All airlines give free tickets, but not to the extent that airline did.. and with some without concience selling the same for example.. Raise taxes.. no way… Have campaigns in ev ery country where the airline … See moregoes… PLUS fundraising campaigns at that… Sponsor events that are critical woldwide.. and hold PERSON accountable…Cultural persons such as entertainers who in fact use the airline and get so much by way of discounts and free tickets etc to go do their ‘thing’ overseas … should now come aboard to “save the airline” and maintain it as their well needed vehicle and quite so creatively.
Hey I think I wanna add your comments to my website with the article to those already respondoing..
BTW With you on taxes if its to involve the Diaspora.. My pet peeve is that Diaspora persons should pay some tax so that they can secure absentee vote status.. and thus assist in holding so many acountable
NOW JALPA insists that their bid was within good timing meeting all requirements, at least in the recent press conference.
PATRICK.. if it is true as it seems that the deal is almost complete.. THATS yet a third illegality– where ARE the lawyers for Air Ja…