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BVIAA in 'heightened discussions' to fill void left by LIAT- Bevis A. Sylvester

- said LIAT’s possible liquidation ‘unwelcome news’ but BVIAA excited about new opportunities
Chairman of the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA), Mr Bevis A. Sylvester has said the BVIAA is now in heightened discussions with at least two airlines to fill the void that will be left if LIAT is liquidated. Photo: VINO/BVIAA
The BVI Airports Authority is looking at Inter Caribbean Airlines and Caribbean Airlines to fill the void left by LIAT. Photo: Internet Source
The BVI Airports Authority is looking at Inter Caribbean Airlines and Caribbean Airlines to fill the void left by LIAT. Photo: Internet Source
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston A. Browne announced on Saturday, June 27, 2020, there were plans to liquidate LIAT and that a new entity would be formed. Photo: CMC
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston A. Browne announced on Saturday, June 27, 2020, there were plans to liquidate LIAT and that a new entity would be formed. Photo: CMC
BEEF ISLAND, VI- With the news that regional carrier LIAT may be liquidated, Chairman of the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA), Mr Bevis A. Sylvester has said the BVIAA is now in heightened discussions with at least two airlines to fill the void.

Mr Sylvester, in a press release today, July 3, 2020, said he has viewed with “deep concerns” the developments unfolding with LIAT, a traditional fixture in the Caribbean, and an airline which has given longstanding service to the region in general.

“For all its challenges, LIAT has served our people well and its impeccable safety record has been its hallmark and a source of pride and comfort to all Caribbean people.”

Mr Sylvester added that in recent days, it has been said there's a very strong likelihood that LIAT will be liquidated.

‘Not welcoming news’- Mr Sylvester

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston A. Browne announced on Saturday, June 27, 2020, there were plans to liquidate  LIAT and that a new entity would be formed.

“You would have found that since COVID, the planes have been grounded, they have to pay the lease payments and they are not getting any revenue. A decision will have to be made to collapse it and then maybe the countries within the region will have to come together to form a new entity,” Mr Browne stated.

According to Mr Sylvester, “As Chairman of the Authority, this is not welcome news; nevertheless, we hope that the former employees are afforded their benefits and we wish everyone associated with this institution well.”

Filling the void

The BVIAA Chairman said the VI needs to do what it must to be able to service its traditional routes, while at the same time, try to expand to new markets.

“This health pandemic has presented us with some serious challenges, especially in the travel and tourism sectors, but it has also presented us with new opportunities for partnerships and expansion.

“We are currently in heightened discussions with Inter Caribbean Airlines and Caribbean Airlines, with the hope that those two private partners will be able to expand their BVI routes beyond the pre-COVID structure, so that we can quickly fill the void left behind by LIAT.”

Runway expansion

Mr Sylvester also noted that the BVIAA is more than ever cognizant of the need to expand the runway at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport to meet the requirements for international carriers.

“This will significantly boost tourism in the Territory. This expansion of our capacity is based on projections for future use, as international travellers will be clamouring for destinations that are safe from the pandemic, or at least destinations that have proven themselves capable of managing or containing COVID-19.”

Mr Sylvester posited that the expansion will mean more jobs, both in the short and long- term, for Virgin Islanders.

“As Chairman, I am excited about the prospects ahead for the Airport's Authority, and I look forward to the new and emerging opportunities to make the BVI a household name in brand markets around the world,” Mr Sylvester remarked.

10 Responses to “BVIAA in 'heightened discussions' to fill void left by LIAT- Bevis A. Sylvester”

  • Common Sense (03/07/2020, 17:56) Like (9) Dislike (14) Reply
    Corona is not 3/4 deadly as Bill Gates puppets are promoting. Open the countries and teach people about natural herbs.
  • one eye (03/07/2020, 19:01) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    Trying to remain relevant
    • @ one eye (04/07/2020, 13:32) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      Very good move Mr Chairman it shows you care and doing your job. The jealous haters will always blog crap
  • concern (03/07/2020, 21:41) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
    So why the Breathwait them can’t be apart of this.
    • Local (04/07/2020, 15:35) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Cause they only have 3 planes which will not be enough, 2 nine seaters and 1 nineteen seater will be tough, but you never know they will get a piece of the pie
  • tears (03/07/2020, 22:08) Like (3) Dislike (14) Reply
    You all bankrupt Liat causing over 3 hundred people
    to lose their jobs..So many people and families u all caused unnecessary suffering... The Airport could have been open from June 15 to accommodate regional travel only....Since the region had the virus under control... So Sad. God is watching...This hurt me so much...Regional tourist Black people, we spend... ..Lots of people are hell bound....
  • Ghost (03/07/2020, 22:50) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    @common sense.. I guess you don’t see or hear the news.. “you tube” have a lot of conspiracy theories; All will be revealed in time for what’s done in the dark always come to light and God will punish them as He sees fit..we all need to be in constant prayer for God to pull this pandemic back and those that do not know God to seek Him while He can still be found, honor Him with our lives and Reverend Him as God.. the days are very uncertain..as a nation, many of us have turned our backs on Him..We need to get back to God..
  • BVIPA (04/07/2020, 10:13) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thanks Bevis for looking out now stop blocking Tabin
  • rattie (04/07/2020, 12:00) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    At least mr Bevis doing something unlike funny man just talking, talking and writing horse dropping on the topic
  • Veritas (10/07/2020, 21:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    BVI cannot call itself a prime tourist destination or an international finance centre if it has no capacity or ability to have flights to and from mainland US at least. It is a joke compared to other financial centres like Cayman where clients can readily fly in for discussions or where tourists don't have to hop travel all over the place just to reach here. It takes a day of travel just to get out of the BVI and reach your destination though that destination might be just a couple hours of flying time away.


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