Have no fear! Shaw says airline deal solid

FINANCE AND Public Service Minister Audley Shaw is moving to allay fears that the new administration in Trinidad and Tobago may be having second thoughts about the takeover of Air Jamaica.

In a statement yesterday, Shaw expressed confidence that the review of the sale of Air Jamaica to Caribbean Airlines, which is now being carried out by the new government of the twin-island republic, would authenticate the sale as a good deal for Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and the entire Caribbean region.

Shaw said he fully understood the decision of the new government of Trinidad and Tobago to carry out a review of contracts as a normal part of the responsibility of any incoming administration.

The finance minister said he was positive that the contractual obligations from one government to the next would be honoured.

"This sale only serves to strengthen the ability of Caribbean Airlines to be a strong regional airline and enhance its ability to be profitable," Shaw said.