Concerns by Caricom Heads over Liat and fuel subsidies provided to Caribbean Airlines (Carl) by the Government of Trinidad were discussed during the 34th Meeting of the Conference of Caricom Heads of Government.
That meeting was held from July third to the sixth in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Dominica’s Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit spoke with reporters last week about the extent of the Liat/Caribbean Airlines discussions and stated, “That discussion took quite a bit of engaging because Liat and Carl are in fact in the same market space. They compete with one another and we believe that is placing Liat in an unfair position.”
“While we’re not saying to the Government of Trinidad that they should stop the subsidies, what we are saying is they should supply Liat with fuel at the same price which they are offering to Carl. I believe what has happened coming out of those discussions is we have put a structure in place to investigate this matter and to [further] look at the situation to determine a way forward. The conclusion of the way forward which we’re looking forward to is for there to be a leveled playing field because it is an unfair advantage granted to Caribbean Airlines over Liat.”
Caricom Heads of Government also addressed the issue of the future of Caricom Economies and expressed concern that the current adverse economic circumstances of burdensome debt, fiscal non-sustainability and low growth continue to affect their economies.
“In some countries, Governments have to borrow to pay public servants, in [others] there are challenges in paying or servicing the debts. Additionally, there are some countries that do not have the capacity or ability to generate sufficient revenue, both by way of loans or grants, so there is a real challenge. In many of those economies there is an increasing debt because you have to borrow to breach the fiscal gap which exists in these economies.” stated the Prime Minister.
Heads of Government agreed to deepen the regional framework for growth and development through the pursuit of a development strategy which involves all stakeholders.