REDjet picks up support from lawmakers

Barbadian Tourism Minister Richard Sealy has come out in support of the low-cost budget carrier REDjet, saying it is important for there to be other players within the aviation industry in the Caribbean.

"Let's face it, we can talk about fast ferries ... but the truth is, in 2011, if we are going to move people around the Caribbean, we have to do so by air, and if we accept that there some limitations of LIAT, we are going to need to have other players involved in regional aviation," he told legislators.

Sealy said that the Fruendel Stuart government supports the low-cost carrier, adding, "I think that the whole notion of the government saying "let's have more players involved in the industry" is a wonderful thing".

He said that the government fully supports REDjet in its efforts to become operational and "we continue to engage at every level to see to see to it that REDjet becomes a reality".

On Wednesday, at least one newspaper here reported that eight workers of the company were out of work as the airline awaits final approval to fly to Jamaica and Trinidad.

In April, REDjet had announced US$9.99 fares between Barbados and Guyana, Trinidad and Jamaica; and the flights were originally scheduled to commence on May 8.

But the airline has been experiencing administrative problems in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, and has had to cancel its operations for a period. The airline only now services the Barbados to Guyana route.

Sealy said that REDjet is not only good for the island's tourism sector, but also provides an opportunity for jobs and investments in the country.

He said that with more persons travelling throughout the region, the issue of competition for LIAT, in which the Barbados government is one of three shareholders, would benefit the regional airline.

"If more and more people decide to start travelling and there is a larger pool, who then will benefit? LIAT, being the legacy player, should naturally have the pole position," he told Parliament.

He used the situation regarding the entry of the Irish telecommunications company Digicel, into the Caribbean market that had been dominated by the British telecommunications giant Cable and Wireless.

Meanwhile, opposition legislators have called on the government to break its silence on the problems confronting REDjet as it seeks to operate within the region.

Speaking on the Exemption of Taxation Bill 2011, Ronald Toppin said "it is incumbent for this government to add its voice to the call by REDjet for more prompt treatment in the region than what it is getting".

He accused the Stuart government of being mute on many things and wants to do things halfway on too many things.

Toppin said that it would be regrettable if REDjet should follow many other airlines that have come into the Caribbean, only to fold within a few years.

"If REDjet fails or collapses, it is a direct reflection on the government," he said, adding "this government cannot run hot and cold on the aircraft, and people in Barbados are saying how can a government see an airline come into the region that can transport people around at these very reasonable poor-man fares and remain silent when the aircraft needs assistance to be able to expand and carry out its operations in the region."

- CMC