16 hours ago
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Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Farley Augustine, says Tobagonians can be assured that no policy to remove the domestic airbridge subsidy is about to be rolled out.
In a social media post today, Augustine said the matter was not discussed during a recent meeting with the Minister of Tourism, and he reaffirmed his long-standing position on Caribbean Airlines operating as a public transportation service.
Augustine said:
“The Minister of Tourism met with me two weeks ago and this was never discussed. Around that same time, I had a lengthy public discourse about the economic benefits of CAL as a public transportation service and that position remains. In fact, that has always been my position. So, I am happy to hear a senior cabinet minister refute the policy position of the Minister of Tourism so firmly. Tobagonians can be assured that no policy to remove the subsidy is about to be rolled out.”
His comments come amid Government discussions on proposed changes to domestic airbridge pricing, which have sparked public attention.
According to a report published in the Guardian newspaper today, Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism Satyakama “Kama” Maharaj said passengers could pay between $960 and $1,000 to travel between Trinidad and Tobago under a proposed peak-period, unsubsidised fare system.
Caribbean Airlines currently operates the domestic route at a subsidised fare of about $400.
Maharaj said Government is considering introducing morning and evening flights without subsidy, aimed at easing financial pressure on the airline and improving seat availability during peak demand periods.
“We’re looking at two unsubsidised flights at peak times, morning and evening, where passengers pay for a guaranteed seat. If demand increases, more flights can be added,” he said.
This morning, Energy and Energy Affairs Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal confirmed that there has been no Cabinet decision on the issue of airbridge subsidies, adding further uncertainty around the proposal.
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