Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit Committed to Investing in LIAT’s Revival for Caribbean Connectivity

Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, has expressed a strong commitment to investing in the aviation sector, particularly in support of any airline serving the Caribbean region. In a recent interview with DBS Radio’s programme Talking Point, conducted on January 12, Skerrit discussed the critical situation surrounding Liat 1974 Ltd, known as LIAT (Antigua and Barbuda) (LI, Antigua), which is scheduled to cease operations on January 24. The prime minister highlighted the anticipated launch of a new entity, Liat 2020 Ltd, as a vital step for maintaining regional interconnectivity.

Skerrit emphasized the importance of LIAT to the Caribbean, stating, “If LIAT doesn’t fly for one day, we are in trouble in the Caribbean.” He advocated for a collaborative approach involving all governments in the region to ensure the successful rescue and sustainable operation of the airline. The proposed strategy includes establishing a solid strategic plan, responsible management, an executive president, and a capable board to oversee operations.

The prime minister noted that while an estimated USD 20 million is needed to start the new airline, the governments should not interfere in its day-to-day management but instead allow the board and management to execute and implement the operational strategies.

This sentiment is echoed by the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, who recently announced an allocation of approximately XCD 30 million (USD 11.1 million) from the 2024 budget to support the new LIAT venture.

The current version of LIAT, struggling financially, has the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines as its shareholders. Browne has indicated that several regional governments are interested in reviving LIAT, although specific names were not disclosed. He also mentioned that the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank would play a crucial role in finalizing agreements between the governments and in reaching a deal with Air Peace, based in Lagos, facilitating the operations of LIAT 2020.

This development marks a significant effort by regional leaders to preserve and enhance air connectivity in the Caribbean, recognizing the essential role of air travel in sustaining economic and social ties across the island nations.