Caribbean Airlines challenged to connect region to African continent

By Shanieka Smith

Feature writer

#Barbados, June 17, 2022 – Barbados, Kenya, and Ghana have forged more significant ties and established trading and diplomatic relationships. However, economically viable transportation links have not been established, and as such, there are talks about having Caribbean Airlines flying to Africa.

“Right now, Barbados and many of its counterparts in the region do not own a single boat or aircraft, and we have to rely on our former slave masters to carry out these flights between Barbados and Africa. To my mind, rather than signing Memoranda of Understanding between air carriers, I think the best idea would be for us in the Caribbean to actually invest in the flight; we need to fly our own planes with our own pilots,” expressed Barbados’ Ambassador to the Organisation of American States (OAS), Noel Lynch. He was speaking at a virtual discussion put on by the Culture division of the Prime Minister’s Office entitled, “Africans at home and abroad: Their experiences and problems faced.”

According to Barbados’ Ambassador to Ghana, Phil Phillips, negotiations with at least three Africa-based airlines have started. Another official, Paulette Elliott, based in the United Kingdom, suggested a trial run before signing any agreements with airlines.

“There are a number of airlines based in Africa that fly directly to destinations in the Americas; why not let them use Barbados as a hub to connect to the other Caribbean countries? Beyond that, we should consider having some. direct flights as a ‘trial run’ and then do a feasibility study to determine if it is practical,” she said