Great task ahead to fix Air Jamaica
published: Saturday | January 1, 2005

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE JAMAICAN Government's decision to keep Air Jamaica operative is a mammoth and costly one. If Butch Stewart, and all the resources and co-operation of the government cannot do it then who or what can?

What about suspending Air Jamaica's operations for one year and corporate with American Airlines and other Caribbean airlines to service the routes. Offer a franchise without subsidy as you did with the local bus operation. We were not subsidised. The government failed to offer most of us any compensation.

Look at Air Jamaica's losses to the taxpayers. What does Jamaica have to gain in keeping this airline? The Government owes the Jamaican people an explanation for "feeding" such a loss. Give us the meaning and the reason to support such a loss. Let the people decide.

It is clear that transportation is high-risk and costly and a money-strapped Jamaica cannot continue with Air Jamaica's losses without it all having meaning to the
people. Find another solution.

I am, etc.,

DR JOAN PORTEOUS

Joanporteous@yahoo.com

Ft Lauderdale, Florida

Via Go-Jamaica