Dear Editor,

In light of the troubled divestment of Air Jamaica by the Government there is one thing that is clear: the next election will be lost because of Air Jamaica.

Mr Golding, as someone in the Diaspora who supported you, I see you haven’t realised that people don’t have a problem with the sale of the airline, it is how it is being done.

Issues such as the granting of national carrier status to a foreign carrier, which many people say could never happen if the roles were reversed, is serious. In the Diaspora and at home people take pride in everything Jamaican. We are a proud people. The love we have for “yard”, our culture, our music is unmatched in the region.

But slowly, between yourself and the Opposition, that has been eroded over the years. There are many people seething in anger because of the conditions associated with the divestment; and despite your good work in the other areas, I think Air Jamaica will end up costing you and the JLP.

JetBlue right now is poised to become the firm favourite of many Jamaicans, should and when no Jamaican carrier exists. This will make the divestment of Air Jamaica seem like an “if mi did know” moment, as not many people like the idea of Trinidadians owning so many key Jamaican entities. Remember their treatment of Jamaican goods? Well, it was not only Mr Samuda who was annoyed; so were many Jamaicans.

Whilst many people know you were given a basket to carry water based on the actions of the previous Government, sometimes you need to also take stock of what you are doing. National carrier status is the key sticking point for many Jamaicans, as that means no little piece of Jamaica is worth being proud of.

Donna Scott

3526 Atlantic Boulevard

Fort Lauderdale, 33071