guardian.co.tt
Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell says the recent grounding of sixty domestic and international flights by Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has dealt a significant blow to Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism sector.
Speaking to the media during the opening of the San Fernando Parkade yesterday, Mitchell highlighted the far-reaching consequences of CAL’s flight cancellations on the country’s tourism industry.
Expressing concern over the repercussions of the flight disruptions on the nation’s tourism prospects, Mitchell said, “If our national carrier airline is not able to transport passengers to and from the destinations, that will have an impact regionally and internationally. Our domestic tourism and the tourists that we wish to welcome here will have a negative impact.”
He expressed gratitude that CAL’s operations have been reinstated following the disruptions, and emphasised the Government’s strong support for the national airline.
“We are extremely happy about that, and you know we are firmly behind CAL as a brand,” he said.
He urged all parties involved to recognise the global significance of Caribbean Airlines as a brand, noting that industrial relations issues also impacted other airlines like American Airlines and Air Canada.
Mitchell acknowledged the challenges CAL has faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed the Government’s unwavering commitment to the airline’s revitalisation.
“All parties need to understand that the Government is fully behind the brand. CAL is our national carrier, and we support them 100 per cent,” he affirmed.
In response to inquiries regarding the ongoing negotiations and disputes between CAL and its employees, particularly pilots, Minister Mitchell exercised caution and neutrality.
“I wouldn’t want to speak to the pilots. Industrial relations issues are something that occurs in the public sector and private sector,” he commented.
He said he had refrained from commenting too much due to the ongoing discussions between management and employees, but said he was hoping for an amicable resolution that satisfies all parties.
Addressing the progress of the negotiations and the potential for future disruptions, Mitchell said: “I am not involved in the company, and so I am not aware of the intricacies. I can’t comment on that. Again, the negotiations are on the table, and we wish that any dispute or the negotiations themselves are settled amicably to the benefit of all concerned in T&T and those patrons of Caribbean Airlines.”
Shifting the conversation, the Tourism Minister also discussed arrangements for the funeral of renowned calypsonian and gospel artist Denyse Plummer.
Mitchell revealed that there had been a request to hold the funeral at Queen’s Hall. He assured that the Government respects the family’s grieving process and plans to facilitate the funeral according to their wishes.
Responding to queries about potentially honouring Denyse Plummer’s legacy, Mitchell said, “We have seen the trend with Blaxx and other popular iconic entertainers. If there is a tribute, I am sure TUCO and representative organisations and the NCC will organise fitting tributes.”
Plummer, 69, who was awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Gold) in 2011 had been ailing for several months after being diagnosed with cancer.
