By Chantalé Fletcher
CHAIRMAN of the Tobago Business Chamber Martin George is blaming CAL for its losses on the airbridge.
This came after CAL issued a statement on Thursday stating that domestic operations have amounted to consistent losses of US$9,613,100 as at June 2022, while its operational costs for the airbridge was US$18,777, 648.
George said, “We reject this if it is an attempt to castigate Tobagonians and the domestic airbridge as being responsible for their sustained losses over the years. We also reject their claims especially as the THA has indicated it will take responsibility for paying for keeping the airport open to accommodate extra flights.”
In a video, he said, “We all know that this is an airline since it was born that has been characterised by losses.
“So it has nothing to do with the domestic airbridge and it is not fair to Tobagonians or Trinbagonians, in general, to seek to place the blame for it. We have seen in the past, the catastrophic disasters and failures of failed investments, failed ventures by Caribbean Airlines in all sorts of flights of fancy and other expensive financial forays which have only ended in their detriment, so, please do not even think of it.”
He described CAL’s statement as appalling to Tobagoians and called on them to either clarify their position or withdraw the statement.
He said, “Do not insult the intelligence of the people of T&T, there is a need for more flights on the airbridge. Cost cannot be the factor, as the THA said it will foot the bill for the additional flights.”
Georeg also called upon the prime minister as leader of the Cabinet and as a Tobagonian not to ignore his fellow Tobagonians and Trinidadians who have been stranded at the airports.
