CARIBBEAN Airlines was a notable presence at last week’s Guyana Independence Festival at the Centennial College (Progress Campus) in Toronto, which brought together several government, tourism and trade agencies, all with the focus of addressing concerns of Guyanese of Canada. Caribbean Airlines is touted as the premier air carrier for travel between Canada, South America and the Region for the West Indian diaspora; and the Caribbean Airlines team at the Guyana trade and tourism exhibition provided the opportunity for direct interaction between customers and team members to facilitate the promotion of the airline’s brand, products, and services offered.  

The event was fully endorsed by President Donald Ramotar who was in attendance along with other Guyanese officials. The day included songs and dances by the Katawau Dance Group, a group of young Amerindians from Guyana, as well as softball cricket and football games featuring Guyanese-Canadian players.

‘EYE PASS’
The Government of Guyana last week said it was contemplating taking Caribbean Airlines to the Caribbean Competition Commission for their high airfare prices and the ridiculous re-checking of passengers after they have already been checked in.

This disclosure was made last Friday by Acting Minister of Tourism, Irfaan Ali, at a press conference at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, when he responded to a question from the media on the issue. The Tourism Minister expressed dismay at the increase in ticket prices by CAL stating he has received reports that passengers have to step out of the plane and go back inside the airport to do re-checking. “We are not anybody’s eye pass,” he noted.
He stated that it is known that the Trinidad market is not required to pay the increases demanded from the Guyanese market which he believes is unfair.
In some cases, a 50-minute flight to Trinidad and Tobago costs US$425 and tickets to the United States range from US$1,100 return as compared to a normal fare of US$765.
He further went on to state that Caribbean airlines should stay loyal to their customers and the Guyana market because they have remained loyal to us when the other two airlines exited the market late last year and early this year.
Ali stated that his ministry is working to ensure that air transport does not become a hindrance to travel to and from Guyana.
Ali emphasised that while government is working to secure other airlines, it believes that there must be a sense of corporate ethics and responsibility in the way business is done.