Dear Editor,

I continue to observe with interest the numerous attempts to divest Air Jamaica. Apparently the country is being conditionally forced to enter an agreement to sell the troubled airline with some urgency to meet the conditions of an impending multilateral finance deal. While I empathise with the difficult economic situation, the government should avoid entering into a deal to sell Air Jamaica to a foreign entity without giving serious and favourable consideration to a domestic entity.

The Jamaica Airline Pilots Association should be given every opportunity available to amend its proposal as necessary and to meet any preconditions for the purchase of the airline. I also call upon the private sector in Jamaica to seek out how it can assist this organisation to become successful in this endeavour. Jamaica’s future, with or without a multilateral finance agreement, is directly dependent on the ability of the local private sector taking ownership of the country’s economy, which includes acquisition opportunities such as this symbol of nationalism. If Caribbean Airlines can make Air Jamaica profitable, why can’t the Jamaican private sector? The governing administration should reconsider its position and aid the Jamaica Airline Pilots Association in acquiring the company.

Vinton Grant

Washington DC, USA

rugsdat@ppeoj.org