Speaking with journalists on November 2, following the close of the 2016 High Level Caribbean Forum held at the Hyatt Regency, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, Imbert said he had asked the IMF to provide technical advice to this country in dealing with the threat of the loss of correspondent banking relationships between local banks and their international counterparts, particularly in developing a “Plan B” as to how the country should deal with the loss of such relationships. Imbert said that as far as he knew no local bank had as yet suffered such a loss. He said he had been asked to make the same request on behalf of the entire Caribbean.

The threatened loss of correspondent banking relationships was one of the issues which dominated the forum which brought together several regional prime ministers, finance ministers and Central Bank Governors as well as leaders from the private sector. Also on the agenda was the question of how the region should respond to reduced commodity prices; a slower than expected recovery in the economy of the United States and the warming relations between Cuba and the United States, particularly the implications this is likely to have for Cuba’s emergence as a major tourist destination in the region and how that would affect those territories which are heavily dependent on tourism. Entitled “Shifting Tides: Challenges and Opportunities,” the forum was organised jointly by the International Monetary Fund and the Trinidad and Tobago government.

Imbert said one of the clear conclusions of the conference was the need for a “structured regional approach” to the threat of regional banks losing their correspondent banking relationships. He said the meeting recognised that “this is all happening very quickly and governments have to move very fast to deal with it and it requires action at the highest political level otherwise these large banks may simply proceed and cut off links with the Caribbean.” He said there was no doubt at the meeting that this is a serious issue which calls for intervention at the very highest level. During a news conference afterward, Imbert said the matter had to be dealt with at the highest political level, “because we need to approach the international organisations that are involved in this movement and that would be the Financial Action Task Force. He said the matter could not be left to technocrats because they do not have the responsibility of running their countries.

He said ministers of finance will have to meet urgently to discuss the matter, pointing out that such a meeting had been held from October 27-28 in Antigua at the request of the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, who has been appointed chairman of the Committee of Caricom Finance Ministers on Correspondent Banking set up to deal with this issue. Imbert said the invitations to the meeting were issued at short notice and not everyone could attend but it was a very well attended meeting and there were people there from the IMF.

The threat to regional banks of the loss of correspondent relationships with big international banks based in the United States; the United Kingdom; Canada and other first world countries has come up because of the increasing focus on anti-money laundering legislation and the tightening of regulations to prevent financing of international terrorism. The big global banks are trying to manage their risk, a practice which over the last couple of years has come to be known as “de-risking”, by cutting links with banks in the Caribbean which they believe are not sufficiently compliant with Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regulations. They consider that the risks – huge fines which could be imposed on them by the regulators – if the smaller banks are found guilty of some improper conduct, far outweighs the benefits to be gained from doing business with local and regional banks.

Over the years, the Government has opted to provide a battery of tax amnesties – in 2001, 2006, 2009, 2014 and 2016. Additionally, they have widened the tax base as opposed to executing initiatives which would reduce the occurrence of non-compliance.

The Revenue Authority was first proposed as a blanket solution to tackling the issue of non-compliance. But in 2010 a combination of industrial relations complications and the inability to attain a special majority led to a lapse of the Bill.

Furthermore, the tax amnesties provided had the effect of, in essence, rewarding taxpayers for their non-compliance. During periods of amnesty, the interest or penalties levied against non-compliant citizens are waived, thereby fostering a culture of evasion.

The Government has sought to widen the tax base by reimplementing the Property Tax as well as introducing a new tax bracket for both high-income earners and companies. Beginning in 2017, there will be a 30% tax on chargeable income on companies with chargeable profits in excess of $1 million per annum. While this measure can potentially increase tax revenues by an additional $560 million, it also places a heavier burden on the compliant members of society.

In the case of the business community, slowing consumer demand alongside the shortages in foreign exchange has made it increasingly difficult for businesses to thrive. Increases in both the Business and Green Fund levies in 2016, from 0.2% to 0.6% and 0.1% to 0.3%, respectively, has further compounded this burden. Ironically, the added strain on SMEs may well lower the government’s tax pool should those small and medium-sized entities be unable to continue their business operations. This counteractive measure does little to support economic growth and employment opportunities which are already in short supply in this current recession.

As it stands, we cannot continue with the existing framework which allows for a high level of non-compliance and evasion.

The T&T Chamber acknowledges that there are likely to be challenges with the implementation of a Revenue Authority, given current structures and legislation. As such, the Chamber remains open to suitable alternatives which will positively contribute towards tax compliance and improved tax collection, which need not require a special majority to be implemented.

This is great news for the region, reflecting positive business sentiment and confidence by consumers. Many parts of the Caribbean, most notably Trinidad and Tobago, suffered at the beginning of the year as commodity prices fell.

For this commodity producing nation in particular rich in petroleum, cocoa and citrus fruits to name a few, falling prices meant a loss of export earnings, jobs under threat and a currency crisis because it led to depreciation of the currency value, which is inherently underpinned by the worth of the commodity exports.

But despite the circumstances, the performance of other countries has been able to boost the region’s economic performance.

The Caribbean benefits well from its close proximity to the United States. Tourism is a major contributor to economic growth and visitors from the United States account for a large part of industry here. There were 14.3 million American visitors to the Caribbean in 2015 alone, representing nearly half of all arrivals, who have been benefitting from a stronger US economy.

The economies of the Caribbean are highly dependent on the US so their recent economic improvement bodes well.

According to GECS, confidence in North America improved during Q3, with only 32% of firms reporting they were less confident – down from 36% in the Q2. In fact, business confidence in the US improved for the third quarter in a row and is now at its highest level since Q2 of last year. The recent improvement in confidence coupled with strong employment growth and high core price pressures are all reasons to think that the Fed will resume its tightening cycle sooner rather than later.

But the report also notes that the investment opportunities index fell to its lowest level since the final quarter of 2012, possibly indicating that uncertainty over the outcome of November’s presidential election is causing companies to put big plans on hold.

With protectionist sentiments on the rise across many nations, Tuesday?s US presidential election could have a significant impact on whether this improving confidence translates into genuine increases in employment and investment. Inevitably, the Caribbean will be affected by the presidential election despite not being at the forefront of the election campaigns.

Meanwhile across the Atlantic, fears that headwinds from the UK vote to leave the EU in June could spread to the global economy have not been realised, with confidence among UK businesses holding up relative to the previous quarter – although it is still low, with respondents reporting a decrease in confidence outnumbering those reporting an increase.

UK confidence plays a huge role in Caribbean tourism too. The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) recorded a 10% increase in UK arrivals in 2015 to more than 1.2 million, against a 6.4% overall growth in visitors and a 3.9% increase to just over five million from Europe as a whole.

UK visitor numbers were the highest since 2008, and the highest in seven years to the two most popular destinations from Britain, Barbados and Jamaica.

CTO figures show Barbados received the largest share of UK visitors last year with 214,000 or almost 18% of the total, followed by Jamaica on 199,000 (16%), Cuba on 156,000 (13%) and the Dominican Republic on 142,000 (12%). The Turks and Caicos Islands saw the biggest increase of 49% to almost 6,400.

But a strong performing US can affect the number of UK visitors. A strong dollar, in particular, will make accommodation relatively more expensive in some areas of the Caribbean for instances.

Despite improvements in confidence globally, the world is yet to see it translate into a meaningful boost to hiring and investment. The report shows that only 19% of firms are considering hiring new staff, and only 14% were looking at opportunities to invest in new technology. In every region, there were more businesses planning to cut staff than those planning to hire more.

This is not the time for businesses to lose sight of the expertise finance professional can provide. As the Caribbean works towards steady economic growth and improving lives across the region, it is finance professionals who are at the forefront driving this future.

Finance professionals are more vital than ever to the success of firms. After all, they are the backbone of the business and responsible for steering businesses through the good and bad times. Through contributing to discussions about economic growth, managing finances and promoting good financial management, they enable businesses to confidently face the times ahead and take advantage of challenging circumstances. These are huge responsibilities and having the right people in an organisation is vital to their success.

I was recently invited to an event, where the host issued invitations, with an RSVP attached. The host made it her business to ensure a number was assigned for the guests to call in to confirm their acceptance of the invitation. Up to the day before the event, only three persons had the decorum to respond and confirm their attendance. To make matters worse, on the day of the event, some of the guests had the audacity to arrive with additional persons in their party who were NOT invited guests. Not only is such behaviour uncouth, but it may lead to a number of unpleasant scenarios for both host and guest.

In today’s event spaces, we have also seen the emergence of the RSVP – Regrets only line. This simply means that you are to respond ONLY if you are NOT attending the event. Essentially, if you do not respond, that automatically means you will be attending the event, and all necessary arrangements will be made to accommodate you. For the purpose of making this a bit easier, let us break down the science of the RSVP. For less formal events, many times you may only see the initials RSVP, with a telephone number; simply call in to confirm your position. Please make sure you speak with a human, as simply leaving a message may be tricky. Utilizing electronic mail technology is also acceptable.

Formal events usually are accompanied by a response card. Simply fill in the card and reply by the date indicated on the card and return in an enclosed envelope. If no response card is included in the invitation, and there is no stated telephone number [which might be unusual], a handwritten note that is returned by mail, with your response is acceptable. If you have received an invitation and no reply is requested, it is still, polite to advise of your intentions. This level of decorum is applicable across the board – meaning, it applies to everyone!

I am well aware that many may perceive this discussion as somewhat within the ‘Baby Boomer’ generation, however, being very far outside of that generation myself, I am still a firm believer that decorum never goes out of style. I have heard the dictum about the ‘death of the RSVP.’ However, simply consider the death of the relationship or friendship, should you be invited to an event, and choose not to bother to respond, be it an acceptance or declining the invitation – knowingly placing your host in a position of not knowing how to plan.

The RSVP is vitally important because it provides the host with pertinent information as to budgeting, catering, security, seating, timelines, guest management, amongst other areas of event planning. It is essential that we understand these elements and the significance of alerting our host to assist with their planning. Of course, for more business savvy hosts and events, usually an event planner is contracted to effectively manage the guest list and RSVP by supporting with contacting invited guests. This is acceptable for corporate events.

It certainly can be argued a Finance Minister needs to convey the economic reality to the population, which simply answers the question are there enough revenues to sustain an increase in wages? He must also assess the economic impact of the wage demands on the economy. Over the three-year period he has to convey what the expectations are for economic recovery, what are the down side risks to the economy; would we have to borrow to pay for increased wages in the public sector? He must ask also what will happen to the external accounts if there are salary increases and if the anticipated increase in the prices of our hydrocarbons does not materialize. What will happen to the exchange rate if aggregate demand increases and imports rise without the commensurate increase in exports? Does the Minister run the risks of increasing the likelihood of a down grade if aggregate demand is not curbed and the foreign exchange decreases at too rapid a rate?

The Minister must also be concerned about the increasing unemployment rate and the impact increased wages can have on employment in a recession. What is the priority preserving jobs or gaining political popularity through wage increases? The Minster must separate the demands which he has no intention of fulfilling or giving, either on a question of principle or due to economic incapacity.

If we are honest we can identify the factors or criteria which have influenced pay increases through collective bargaining to include enterprise profit, job evaluation, seniority, cost of living, manpower shortage or surplus, the negotiating strength and skills of the parties. Admittedly we have never given priority to performance measures such as productivity or profit related to groups or individuals in collective bargaining, or have we?

A critical aspect of wage negotiations is good faith. The ILO has argued that collective bargaining is workable only if the parties bargain in good faith. If not, there will be bargaining without a possible agreement. The ILO has stated that good faith is most possible when certain attitudes are shared among employers, workers and their organisations eg a belief and faith in the value of compromise through dialogue, in the process of collective bargaining, and in the productive nature of the relationship collective bargaining requires and develops. It appears that unions may with some justification believe that there is a lack of good faith displayed by the Minister hence the need for an intervention by the Prime Minister. Let us not damage beyond repair dialogue among two key stakeholders during a difficult economic time. We have entered the realm of political economy which is as much a science as it is an art

Over the past 24 months, TSTT has invested millions in its infrastructure to maintain this high quality of resiliency in its core network and deliver a best in class service.

Nicole Maharaj, TSTT’s Acting Senior Manager Network Planning and Design explained that TSTT has deployed fibre throughout its core network in Trinidad and Tobago as part of the Company’s new strategic plan to transform itself from a traditional telecommunications company to an agile broadband communications company that is responsive to its customers’ needs.

She said, “Our IP and fibre based core infrastructure is used to deliver all our services to our valued customers, including Voice, Internet, Entertainment and Enterprise solutions. They all ride on our core network which is the backbone, so it must be a strong network that stays up and stays strong so our customers do not lose their service. Building out and expanding our fibre-resilient network is one of the key initiatives surrounding our new strategic plan to ensure that all of TSTT’s services are protected, and that we have no single point of failure in our network.” Agreeing that TSTT has the strongest, most resilient network in the country, Maharaj stated, “Customers can rest assured that our new network delivers a guaranteed, best in class service with the higher bandwidth speeds they need to support all their services, as well as high reliability and survivability and built-in redundancy. So if something happens in one location, another area will not be affected. Their service will not be impacted.” Hughes shared that from a power backup point of view, TSTT has spent millions of dollars for the purchase of a new technology to ensure that its mobile sites throughout the country stay in service during electricity power outages. He explained, “The deployment of new fuel cell technologies using hydrogen or methanol fuel provides back-up power for up to two days before requiring refueling. This means that during a utility outage in their area, customers now enjoy uninterrupted mobile service backed up by TSTT’s 24/7 service assurance support. We have seen tremendous improvement in the reliability of our network, especially in rural areas from Sangre Grande to Toco along the North East coast where there have been frequent utility power outages.” In addition to the ongoing installation of the new back-up power systems based on “cutting-edge” technologies throughout the network, Hughes indicated that TSTT installed a 4G LTE wireless mobile network, backed up by the country’s largest solar-powered system, to provide a reliable and uninterrupted power supply and mobile service to Chacachacare Island and the rest of the northwest peninsula, including out at sea.

He remarked, “As a result of these advanced communications technologies, the entire northwest region has benefitted from having strong, seamless and reliable coverage and our mobile service is now continuous and strong when travelling between Trinidad and Tobago. The inter-island ferries, ships, yachts and down-the-island vacationers have all benefitted from this investment because we want to assure that no matter where our customers are, they have a strong and resilient network.” Since the completion of the core network upgrades nationwide, the Company’s reports have shown that customers appreciate the investment.

Hughes stated, “We have seen a significant reduction in failures, improvement in revenue from new customers and an increase in usage on our network nationwide, particularly in the rural areas. I feel satisfied that what we are doing is making a real difference to the company and to our customers.” Maharaj added, “Despite all of this, there are plans for continuous enhancements to our network to meet the ever changing demands of our customers and improve their experience.

I feel very fortunate and happy to be involved in this transformation with TSTT.”

The current account can also be expressed as the difference between national (both public and private) savings and investment. The latter is not the case for us. Preliminary data for Trinidad and Tobago shows a current account deficit of 5.0% of GDP in 2015; the B usiness Monitor Index (BMI) now expects a shortfall of 6.8% in 2016. This is substantially wider than some forecast. We should be concerned since this can further undermine the country’s sovereign credentials, increasing the risks of further credit rating downgrades in the immediate future.

It is sad to note that measurement of the country’s current account position is complicated by statistical revisions. Recently, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) substantially revised its GDP and balance-of-payments data series from 2010 onwards. This is very curious and the CBTT has to strongly explain that the coincidence of the revision and the start of the last regime’s term in office is just that: coincidence. We must avoid any suggestion that the figures are being doctored.

The latest available data from CBTT indicates an expansion of 0.2 % of real GDP while the current account recorded deficit of 0.2% of GDP. However, there appears to be differences between these data series and those estimated by the IMF and other international organisations. While this is not the first time this has happened a simple explanation as to the basis of the differences could go a long way in instilling confidence in the data produced locally.

There is a high probability that in 2016, Trinidad and Tobago will experience its first goods trade deficit in nearly 20 years.

Contributing to this possible scenario is the fall in oil and gas production as well as goods exports which have fallen consistently since 2012. Added to this, low energy prices have made the losses worse.

This has led to goods exports contracting 23.1% in 2015. It is quite possible that 2016 will see an even bigger contraction in exports.

Given the pattern of the approach by the CBTT, the heavily-managed exchange rate will prevent an offsetting response from imports.

If we look at the data for imports, there was an expansion of 6.3% in 2015. There are some who see the modest depreciation of the currency leading to a small fall in imports in 2016.

The irony is the contraction in imports may reflect to a larger extent a shortage of foreign exchange, which have undermined companies’ ability to import. In no way are we suggesting that CBTT’s actions are not the optimum response to the problem. Indeed, the choices are quite stark: allow the currency to depreciate rapidly and stem the loss of foreign exchange by reducing imports but allowing rapid increase in inflation. The alternative is to allow, as has been done, a small depreciation in the currency and use Central Bank’s allocation of the reserves to stem the tide of imports while at the same time keeping goods affordable. These are difficult choices indeed.

Higher anticipated energy prices in 2017 may lead to higher exports and a return to a goods trade surplus.

However, rising energy prices will also lead to a wider primary income account deficit, simply because foreign firms operating in the energy sector can be expected to repatriate greater profits. It is anticipated that while there maybe goods trade surpluses over the coming years, these are not expected to be greater than the country’s primary income account deficit. This means the net effect is for the current account balance to remain in the red.

In the event that the current account deficits are not offset by financial and capital account inflows, then we can expect increased pressures on both the country’s foreign exchange regime and its rating. If we are to be honest, the non-energy sector has had little appeal to investors outside of the energy sector historically. Indeed, even the energy sector may have difficulty attracting the same high levels of capital in the coming years.

Our reality is to finance the current account deficits while at the same time maintaining a managed float with a managed depreciation which eases pressures slowly.

This can be expected to result in a continued draw down of the country’s external reserves.

Falling revenues have seen the government having to borrow and in so doing, increasing domestic debt substantially, precipitating an April downgrade of the country’s sovereign credit rating by Moody’s.

Its deteriorating external accounts position raises the risks of further downgrades in the immediate future although the country maintains an investment-grade rating from both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s (S&P). A downgrade will undermine the country’s ability to service its external debt obligations. Indeed, both Moody’s and S&P hold a negative outlook on the country’s debt. The management of the external account is tricky at best. Are we up to the challenge?

Speaking at the formal handingover ceremony, held last week Tuesday (November 1) in his constituency of East St George at the Calliaqua Fisheries Centre (CFC), Calliaqua Village, Gonsalves said prior to the installation of new cooling equipment, fish could not be stored in the chill room for extended periods “because when the sun hit the side of the building, it would warm up the fish.” The MP, turning to Japan’s non-resident Ambassador to SVG, Mitsuhiko Okada, said fisherfolk in his constituency were therefore “grateful” for the donated equipment which now allows them to chill fish “down to about -5 degrees (Celsius) while the cold storage facility can now freeze your fish at below -20 degrees.” The grant aid’s objective is to improve the quality of fish and fish products landed in SVG and to ease the fishing pressure in the coastal waters of SVG. This was done by replacing cooling equipment/ machinery at six fisheries locations; mainly Kingstown, Calliaqua, Owia, Bequia, Canouan and Union Island as well as deploying two Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD) and the procurement of two refrigerated vehicles for the distribution of fish.

A FAD is a man-made object used to attract ocean going pelagic fish such as marlin, tuna and mahi-mahi (dolphin fish). They usually consist of buoys or floats tethered to the ocean floor with concrete blocks. Over 300 species of fish gather around FADs.

(Source: Wikipedia) Now that upgrades have been completed and equipment officially transferred, Gonsalves said the government envisages Calliaqua becoming “a major engine for economic growth and development in SVG.” Apart from growth and development of the seafood sector, including exports to lucrative markets in the US and Europe, the government anticipates that “in the coming few years that in terms of sports, culture, production and services like tourism, this area is going to be an epicentre for growth.” Ambassador Okada echoed Gonsalves’ vision of the future, telling those gathered at CFC on what was a hot, sunny morning that he was “confident that the equipment procured through this grant will help your fishermen strengthen your fishery sector, and help further develop the economy of the country.” Okada pointed out that cooperation between both countries is not limited to the supply of equipment. Rather it includes their “struggles with climate change and disaster risk management” as well as matters before the International Whaling Commission (IWC).

Referring to Japan’s and SVG’s mutual history with whaling, Ambassador Okada told the audience at CFC, and those listening live on radio that day, that “Japan highly appreciates the valuable cooperation that SVG has long been extending to Japan in IWC matters.” “Our two countries also continue to collaborate through technical assistance programmes, under which the Government of Japan provides the people of SVG with training in sustainable fisheries methods and maintenance skills for equipment.

Our fishery sector co-operation has culminated in the Caribbean Fisheries Co-management Project (CARIFICO), which is based right here in SVG.” Okada added that since 2013, Japanese fishing experts have been transferring fishing skills and sustainable fishery management systems to counterparts in Caribbean island nations, including SVG.

“Currently, Minoru Tamura, an expert with the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), and Takamitsu Furumoto, a volunteer with the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer programme (JOCV), are based in SVG and are working closely with their local counterparts in the fishery sector.” The question of renewable energy sources with which to operate the various equipment was raised by SVG’s Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, during his address at the handing-over ceremony.

“We have to be careful when we get the technology from Japan and when all these facilities are installed, that we must have facilities that are not energy guzzlers. Some of the original facilities at the Kingstown Fish Market did not pass muster in that regard. I’ve been advised that these new ones are more efficient.” Smiling as he looked in Okada’s direction, the veteran politician explained that SVG doesn’t want an “electricity bill so high that, as we say in our country, ‘the dance can’t pay for the light’.” “As a result, I would like very much, to suggest, as a matter of urgency, that despite the affirmation of the improved energy efficiency of these new installations, that we have some renewable energy installations to help to propel these facilities…I’m talking about solar photovoltaic systems to run these facilities because it would make a good addition to the efficiency of the operations, and to make the delivery of fish to the consumer much cheaper,” Gonsalves argued. Okada smiled in turn when Gonsalves said, “The people of SVG know that while our Government is visionary, that the PM (Gonsalves) always keeps his feet firmly planted on the ground.” “I don’t want to have my feet firmly planted in the air and that is why I raise these practical questions for additional and urgent consideration,” Gonsalves stated.

Rambharat, who described himself as “very proud to be a product of this community,” lauded the bank’s inclusion on the guest list, persons who “have played a very significant role in the Rio Claro community.” He called on all corporate entities, in these economically challenging times, “to make a commitment to our people.” Jemma Persad, Branch Sales Manager of the Rio Claro/Mayaro Branch said that she was both “proud and humbled to see the realization of this dream” of the opening of their very own building. The Branch achieved the coveted title of Branch of the Year 2015 and looks forward, with the spanking new building, to retaining that title in 2016.

Reifer-Jones stated in her release on October 25 that the company had 76 cabin crew and LIAT’s crew sickness level for this year so far equates to 13 percent, “a pattern that has been in existence for some time”. But the flight attendants countered that the company was not telling the truth and that “their last count was 56 operational cabin crew, with 12 on extended sick leave due to jobrelated injuries or maternity leave.” At a previous meeting, management said that the (cabin crew) sickness rate now and the sickness rate 11 years ago showed no difference. It was the same; there was no unusual spike in sickness.

The association admitted that LIAT now has less crew because they have fewer planes and said, “The schedule has not been adjusted to achieve maximum efficiency.” The association gave as an example that if two crew members were unable to make it to work on any given day, there would be several cancellations. It claimed this was due to poor scheduling.

LIFAA said earlier this year the company had made several trained and experienced cabin crew redundant against the strong advice of the association, but the management claimed the company had more crew than was needed. Now the company has begun hiring new crews, who will need at least two months to be trained before they can be put on active duty. This means that during the airline’s peak Christmas season they will still be on training.

The flight attendants’ association in its release said that “LIAT’s management must be true to itself and refrain from making irresponsible statements to the public, that this is not the way forward and they will not stand by and allow management to use them as scapegoats to hide their (management’s) ineffectiveness and incompetence.

“LIFAA, over the past years, despite pressures from many quarters,” said the release, “has maintained its silence and have refused to speak publicly on certain matters with regard to LIAT. However, the company has bought some of these matters pertaining to our members to the public, we are left with no other choice but to respond. We would have preferred if management would have discussed these issues with LIFAA internally,” stated the release.

Like the pilots last week, the flight attendants are laying the blame square at the feet of management for their lack of proper planning and inefficiency. The association further said it longed for the day when management would realise that to run LIAT takes a team effort in the best interest of the travelling public.

ALIFAA wished to assure the travelling public that, “We will continue to be committed and dedicated to serving you to the best of our ability and to ensure that you are that you receive the ‘reliable’ product that you desire and deserve.”