Antigua: PM Browne defends public utterances on LIAT

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said that issues surrounding LIAT are of regional interest and are not private matters or solely for shareholder governments.

Browne made these comments following statements by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley that her Cabinet is yet to decide the future of its relationship with the cash-strapped carrier.

A week ago, Browne disclosed that Mottley has agreed to sell all but 10 per cent of her country’s 49 per cent stake in LIAT.

Browne’s view is that everyone should be concerned about the fate of the regional carrier.

“Placing LIAT on the path of viability and sustainability is not for private discussion. You’re talking about an airline that is owned by several Caribbean countries, one in which we utilised taxpayer’s money to invest in LIAT and when it comes to public funds, I believe we all have an obligation.”

“I have tried my best to be accountable to the people of Antigua & Barbuda and I make no apologies about it,” he said.

Prime Minister Browne said he does not believe that he spoke out of turn about the current talks between himself and Prime Minister Mottley as it is his role as leader of the country to sensitise his citizens on matters concerning the nation.

“All I did was to indicate that she has so confirmed the willingness of Barbados to negotiate. That is all I’ve said, and I don’t know that there’s any bad form or there’s any talking across the Caribbean. I have a responsibility and a duty to the people of Antigua & Barbuda to account.”

In fact, Mottley told the Barbadian media, that when a decision is made, it will be done in Parliament and in no other forum.

Browne defended his position, saying that other information in the letter was never disclosed, as negotiations are ongoing.