VI lifts suspension of One Caribbean Airline
The suspension had been handed down after one of its planes arrived in the Territory on August 4, 2020, in violation of entry protocols put in place by Government to eliminate the spread of COVID-19.
The lifting of the suspension was confirmed by the Airline’s Reservation Department, where on inquiry, told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) One Caribbean was accepting booking for flights to the Territory.
Suspension lifted on Sunday, August 23, 2020 - OCL CEO
St Vincent publication, Searchlight, also confirmed that OCL CEO Mr Reginald Adams said he received a letter on the morning of Sunday, August 23, 2020, informing them the suspension had been lifted.
On Saturday, August 22, 2020, VINO reported that Government protocols require all airlines to provide 24 hours notice of all the passengers on board the aircraft approved to arrive in the Territory; however, OCL Arrived in the Territory in violation of the entry protocols.
The BVIAA, through its Managing Director Clive Smith, on August 17, 2020, said that as part of protocols all passengers must also be in possession of a valid travel certificate issued by the Ministry of Health confirming that they are safe to enter the VI, as the first line of defence in the fight against the reintroduction and spread of COVID-19 in the Territory.
“Any violation of the Government or the Authority’s protocols will not be taken lightly, as the wellbeing of our residents and citizens, our internal economy and the successful rebound of our economy post-COVID-19 is reliant on our ability to keep the BVI COVID-19 free,” Mr Smith noted.
No notice of change in protocol given - Mr Adams
But, according to the OCL CEO, “Tortola changed their protocol on a Saturday and we were not updated as to the change,” Adams noted.
It is understood, that among the passengers on the One Caribbean flight that operated the Monday following this change, were three employees of the VI Government, which the airline had permission for; however, due to the protocol change one of these employees was not accepted and had to return.
One Caribbean maintains there was no notice of a change of protocol and following its objection to the suspension, and putting forward a defense, the suspension was lifted.
BVIAA Board Chairman Mr Bevis A. Sylvester, when reached for comments, said a press release on the lifting of the suspension had been sent out.
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13 Responses to “VI lifts suspension of One Caribbean Airline”
The embarrassment. Mainly against Caribbean people. They brought in these set of Cubans and they rejoice, but these Cubans speak very very little English, So they are basically useless... Yet you have 2 proven professionals, Retuning to contribute, already landed and you choose to embarrass them,. Sending them back for something this Govt could have solved. Is that leadership.? That's been bossy and spiteful. Yes something may have went wrong innocently but they are the Govt. They had the power to fix it. . is this leadership.? They need to stop driving the people, They need to start leading with compassion, empathy and a purpose.. Done with the bossy, bossy, bossy, thing and become leaders... None is perfect, all have sins and fall short.. it's not the few loud voices of their enemies that's we must concern about.. it's the silence of the their many many friends,. Who whisper secretly in discuss and and anguish. I've heard hundreds of them.