Jamaicans mount 'Save the Lovebird' campaign

Thursday, January 28, 2010

SCORES of Jamaicans have joined the call for Government to retain Air Jamaica and not sell it to the Trinidad-owned Caribbean Airlines. An e-mail appealing to the Government to "Save the Lovebird, don't sell us out. Keep Air Jamaica Jamaican" has been making the rounds on the Internet.

The e-mail, which has a growing list of supporters, is urging persons to "pray, call the prime minister's office, members of Parliament, the media, all family and friends" to support the save-the-airline cause.

It came amidst pleas from Air Jamaica staff for the Government to let the airline remain a "Jamaican owned and operated" one.

Government has been forced to divest the national carrier as one of the pre-conditions to qualify for a US$1.2-billion standby loan agreement from the International Monetary Fund.

Yesterday, Stephone Gonzales -- managing director of Las Perlas Tour company in Old Harbour, St Catherine who has been forwarding the e-mail -- told the Observer that she knew nothing of its origin, having received it from a hotel employee.

But she said as a tour operator who had first-hand knowledge of the benefits of keeping the airline, she was in full support of the campaign.

"I have sent the e-mail to all my contacts and will continue to do so because I think it is a good initiative that just might work," she said.

Pointing to the booming start to this winter tourist season, Gonzales said Jamaica has benefited greatly from Air Jamaica's ability to fly large numbers of tourists to the island.

"...I wouldn't want Government to sell out Air Jamaica to allow another country to benefit from our success," she said passionately.

In addition, she is concerned that hundreds of workers would lose their jobs, and with that their ability to provide for their families.

She noted that although it is costly to keep, the Government should consider divesting the national carrier to the Jamaica Air Line Pilots Association.

-- Ingrid Brown