Barbados hoping to start talks with Antigua and Barbuda over LIAT shares

The negotiation talks regarding the sale of shares of LIAT- regional Caribbean airlines, which is facing financial crises- between Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda are yet to start. However, Barbados is hoping to start talks soon with the twin-island nation within next two weeks.

The Barbados officials have revealed that the government is presently waiting for a reply from the LIAT authorities regarding the schedule of the negotiation talk.

An announcement was made earlier this month by the Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley in Parliament the majority ownership of LIAT Barbados hold would be transferred to Antigua and Barbuda. However, the Prime Minister has not disclosed how much shares it would sell out. Barbados holds 49.4% shares of LIAT.

After Barbados, the twin Island Antigua and Barbuda hold the largest shares of the regional airline with 34% ownership in its kitty.

with almost 500 flights, LIAT provides air services in 15 Caribbean destinations across the region.

"We are hopeful that we would be able to meet with authorities from Antigua and Barbuda before the start of next month’s 40th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government," said Barbados’ lead negotiator Attorney General Dale Marshall.

Marshal said that both the countries have not started the negotiations so far. He said they had conveyed to LIAT regarding the dates that were convenient for them a few weeks ago, but there has been no reply from the regional airline officials.

Now, Barbados is trying to get the negotiations regarding sale of LIAT shares to be started by next week. "A fresh communication has been sent to LIAT telling them that we are available next week and next weekend and we are once more waiting for their respond regarding this matter,” Marshall said.

Marshal said that they are hoping that negotiations would start before the Heads’ conference (July 3 to 6).