THE EDITOR, Sir:I WRITE in disgust of what Air Jamaica did to proud Jamaicans in Belize, Central America. They came with a bang! We were proud and happy to have them at long last and just before the summer vacation when most of us were planning trips home with children to visit family and friends, they left like scared puppies; as if they did not do adequate feasibility studies before arriving with the fanfare.
The theme on the shirts they handed out with the logo of Air Jamaica was 'You betta Belize it' and now we 'can't Belize it' of Air Jamaica. I could have told them that three flights a week for the first year was too much maybe two or one for the start then gradually grow. I must say though that I was proud when the beautiful aircraft landed here. It made me miss home. Many teachers and other business people had planned group trips for Jamaica that summer... they were terribly disappointed. Many businesses were being established to do business between the two countries. Travel agents told me they begged for you to stay.
What went wrong? We were never clearly told but we guessed that the aircraft were not having adequate bookings. Many persons here in Belize won trips at the Air Jamaica launch which they never received. It left a bad flavour or taste in the mouths of many. Air Jamaica provided a wonderful route to the Caribbean and other destinations like Canada and the UK without having to stop in the United States.
For the life of me I cannot understand why they stopped because I'm sure with good marketing and strategic planning, along with a gradual growth plan Air Jamaica would do well here in Belize. I think Air Jamaica should re-consider and return to Belize. They will be supported.
I am, etc.,
RHONDA LECKY
rsklecky@hotmail.com
P.O. BOX 1172 Belize City, Belize C.A.
Via Go-Jamaica
