Is rationale for Air Jamaica fight right?
Published:Monday | February 22, 2010 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
After Air Jamaica's pilots and staff announced they would continue their fight for Jamaica's national carrier, I became concerned that it might not necessarily be for the right reason.
It is an obvious move by the pilots and staff as they would be severely criticised if they had not made an effort to do so. But are they truly vested in its acquisition?
First, news of the divestment process started well over a year ago and none of these pilots or staff came together in an effort to make a proposal. Now, when the signing-over seems imminent, they want to 'fight'?
Mismanagement
Second, 'Air Jamaica' and 'mismanagement' are words that are never too far apart. Although I do believe the pilots would try assiduously to keep Air Jamaica flying (should they get it), history shows, after a few years or so, the same problems would persist. Are they then going to write letters to the Government again, this time asking for a bailout?
Allow me, however, to demonstrate at least some form of patriotism by saying how much I would love for Jamaica to keep our airline soaring, but it is saddening to say, it's time she flies 'South'. The facts are simple: Jamaica was given a 2009 ranking of 3.0 by Transparency International (on a scale of 0-10 where zero represents the highest level of corruption).
When we as a nation not only stamp out corruption and mismanagement but are also truly interested in having our own carrier, then we will be ready to start again.
To the Air J staff: you are making a bold statement, but your intentions are unclear and your timing is not convincing. To the GOJ: let Air Jamaica soar. When she is ready, she will fly right back.
I am, etc.,
Not Convinced