SAINT LUCIA (January 20, 2012) –Officials of the Saint Lucia Tourist Board and the Ministry of Tourism are describing introductory talks with US carrier American Airlines as positive and promising for the future of aviation and the wider tourism industry on the
Tourism Minister Lorne Theophilus
island.
A high level delegation led by Tourism Minister Lorne Theophilus, currently en route to CHTA Marketplace underway this weekend on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, held a series of talks with several industry partners in the airline and cruise industries.
At a Thursday January 19th meeting, the team paid a courtesy call on American Airlines’ senior executives Peter Dolara and Gary Alfson.
Minister Theophilus expressed his and Saint Lucia’s gratitude for the long standing commitment and support of American Airlines at helping to shape and sustain the industry’s growth path not only in Saint Lucia but the wider region.
Flanked on one side by his Permanent Secretary Titus Preville, incoming Chairman of the Board Matthew Beaubrun and on the other by Director of Tourism Louis Lewis and Vice President of Marketing and Sales Nerdin St. Rose, Minister Theophilus noted that AA is “a valued partner.”
He added that “American Airlines has undoubtedly contributed immensely to the record levels of arrivals we have seen from key gateways out of the US. My team and I eagerly look forward to building on that collaboration in 2012 and beyond”.
Mr. Dolara welcomed the opportunity to meet and hold initial talks with not only the newly appointed Minister, but to dialogue and cement ties with other tourism decision makers, among them Matthew Beaubrun, who now serves as Chairman of the Saint Lucia Tourist Board.
Further discussions on AA’s relationship with and service to Saint Lucia are to continue over the next few weeks.
—ST Lucia Tourist Board
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but that isn’t what the new minister told your reporter a few days ago…” American Airline deal cannot continue” or was he lying then?
This new story is not consistent with previous reports…something is not right here.
I know Realist. I thought I was the only confused one here.
First of all he said it Cannot continue as is and not that it cannot continue period. The Minister is not a fool to drop one of the islands biggest contributors to tourism in St. Lucia but he is a politician and will always play on words smh
Smoke and mirrors, smoke and mirrors in the end what obtains after the smoke clears? only time will tell.
@ Realist you conveniently quoted what you wanted. The minister said …” American Airline deal cannot continue in it’s present form…” then talks were held between AA and St. Lucia which were promising. If your are confused on this issue then you see everything in one color….SMH
It is rather foolish for the Minister to take American Airlines serious on any promise or contract while this company is in bankruptcy court. The most hated Airline in the US is struggling for financial survival and could care less about a little island with 150,000 inhabitants. St. Lucia tourism chief should focus his attention else were for lift.
I commend you this time around Mr Minister,for taking the opportunity to meet and discuss the contract situation as it stands and to show some maturity with the AA executives by thanking the airline for it’s contribution to StLucia’s Tourism sustainability.I think you are on the right path this time, as one should realise that no man is an island and with the economic situation the world over,burning your bridges from both ends will not be a wise move at the moment.I hope a lesson has been learned and that the next time you do not jump the gun so soon or you may disqualify not only yourself but StLucia from the race.As the other contributors stated your message sounds confusing so smart…
Realist, Jasmine, Patriot, if you analyse, you will see that Marisule is saying the correct thing. The Minister NEVER said AA was an enemy, or was not welcome in St. Lucia. That would be stupid. He only said that the deal that Chastanet CANNOT continue in its present form. He said so PARTLY because of his distrust for Ti-Chas! Also, Ti-Chas has hotels here, and so his DEALS with AA might be in the best interest of Ti-Chas!!! That’s the point. New discussions with AA will shape a DEAL in the interest of St. Lucia!! Big difference.
Out of so many fools the wise one must always Step FORWARD and CLEAR THE AIR.
“Barely a month following his appointment as tourism minister, Lorne Theophilus has been making waves.
He told the STAR in an exclusive interview that the current deal with American Airlines “cannot continue.” Theophilus noted that the agreement made between the last administration and American Airlines has plunged the country into debt. He further indicated that the Labour Party government will not continue such a deal that, according to him, is not in the country’s best interest.”
HUH I SEE NOTHING IN THE ABOVE ABOUT PRESENT FORM WHAT ARE U TALKING ABOUT DONNA
Did you read the article? If not, here is the link to it: http://stluciastar.com/content/news/american-airlines-st-lucia-deal-cannot-continue/
Please don’t be a selective reader, reader the article in it’s entirety!
Thank God we have psychics at work here. Thank you Donna Baptiste for your ability to always tell us exactly what every government representative is thinking whether the know it or not. What are you thinking Donna, afterall, we all know you are yourself a government representative/mouthpiece (paid or unpaid).
Last time I checked, typing in capitals meant that you are either upset or shouting, I wonder why some people cannot make their point without yelling, there is much others can read between some lines here, some comments are full of exclamation marks, as if the person want to fly on others who commented here, some people cannot agree with anyone they “think” is standing on the opposite side of the table, how childish can we get, there are people from both sides of the table who bring up very interesting points, as for you Donna, like I said before, you love Rick hate him love him hate him but you are here till the world stops turning, but what ever you do, you have anger issues.
I went to School with Lorne, my boy is a negotiator at heart. Wouldn’t want to see you go the way of your predecessors,but dude you need to focus on the product. The product is no longer remarkable, that’s why we’re depending on an airline to determine our tourist arrivals. Surround yourself with some true innovators, rebuild the product, make it remarkable and they will come. Another thing, saw a television AD for SLU in NYC. That kind of marketing was probably effective in the past, don’t think it works anymore. Good Luck.
Miss/mrs or madame Baptiste,could you get real and stop your politics crap.The new Minister of Tourism jumped the gun by issuing a threat on the status of the current AA contract, because of his inexperience on dealing in such high profile matters. He has since been wisely adviced and have taken to discussing the matter with AA in a most professional manner, hence the positive and promising outlook of these discussions.I care not to delve into confrontations over matters of such important interest to all of St Lucia,but I retain the right to convey my views on any matter relating the country of my birth.It is my duty as well as yours to monitor the goings on,as our vote was cast for change.
Here are the facts about American Airlines which I encourage the Government of St. Lucia not to ignore:
Has more than $12.1 billion in outstanding debts
Is saddled with a pension liability (for which it has no funding) of about $7.9 billion;
Earned $11.6 billion last year but had a net loss of $716 million
Recently took on a high-interest (8.75 percent) loan for about $726 million for the B-787 program.
These numbers are particularly gloomy when compared with those of the nation’s other leading airlines, most of which are currently operating at a profit, according to sources. In fact, comparisons between American Airlines and its competitors show stark differences.
In addition to…
The figures, statistics and business strategy remains tht of AA but I have to agree with you in that these should not be ignored by the Government of St. Lucia. AA will definitely need to take a long, hard look at difficult times ahead, if they do not fold up and cease business. he airlines industry is a difficult one and most of the major airline companies, like Virgin Atlantic, Air India, even British Airways for what they have gone through in many years have learnt to cope with an ever changing world around them. Why should AA be different…?
Given that the new Government has inherited what was left by the last administration, it is their duty to look at all matters thoroughly in order to decide what is in the best interest of the country and its people. I agree with the Minister that the deal with AA in its present shape is not a viable one that can be described as good or in the best interest of our small economy. If AA wishes to fly to St. Lucia, it is wholly inappropriate that the St. Lucian tax payer should pay heavily for a service that they don’t necessarily benefit from, whether directly or indirectly. The Government reserves the right to negotiate deals at any time but must do so in the best interest of all St. Lucians.
…continuaion from last post …
If AA wishes to fly to St. Lucia, they should observe the difficulties associated with the present deal with us and show their intent to accomodate rather than stipulate on the basis of increasing their revenue at this time. After all, they should also take note their own difficulties as an ailing airline and kep within a workable framework in the form of a sensible deal. total support for eachother as partners in this industry is vital for them as well as for us.
Loren I told you so.. here is the truth and it will affect any agreements entered with AA
American Airlines’ parent is meeting with its unions this week to lay out cost cuts it wants to implement as part of its bankruptcy reorganization — moves that could cost many of the company’s 81,000 workers their jobs and a portion of their pension benefits.
Peacemaker, you’re right about one thing. Unions have to be dealt with and in most cases would want their members to benefit to the maximum in any deal laid out on a negotiating table. What one must bear in mind is that the Government of St. Lucia should not ignore all aspects that affect a possible deal but must be adamant about costing the taxpayers of this island with propping up an ailing airline’s revenue coffers.
One more thing … ! It is brave of the Government of St. Lucia to engage in negotiations on a possible deal with AA despite their difficulties and current financial status. I suppose it is a matter of showing support and friendship when things are bad for the airline. Nonetheless, the Government’s main concern and, indeed, priority is to ensure achieving the best deal possible for the country while they endeavour to show support that will ensure AA continue to operate during these difficult times.
Patriot, I am not angry anymore. You all removed the criminals from government on 28 November. The TAX EVADERS, DRUG LORDS, COWARD PRIME MINISTER, POODLE’s etc., were removed by our patriots to stop St. Lucia’s slide into the abyss. Killibwee, the CAPITALS are not for shouting, but for emphasis. Exclamation signs are to emphasize points, not for shouting. Now that the criminals are out, shouting finish. If the new government begins to mess up, I will surely begin shouting again. As for Minister Lorne, tell me, which one of you would not revise a TI-CHASTANET agreement? God bless.
yeah, baptiste all of the passengers will be staying at the hotel chastanet owns. these flights are only for him. no one else benefits. typical shallow mind. the new tourism minister has just learned a valuable lesson about the press—watch what you say because they can spin it any way they want to
Here is why the Tourism Chief should call on Delta Airlines for a possible long term air lift commitment to St.Lucia:
Delta’s net income for the December 2011 quarter was $379 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, excluding special items(1). This is a $221 million improvement year over year.
Delta’s net income for 2011 was $1.2 billion, excluding special items, as the company offset $3 billion higher fuel expense through strong revenue performance and its fuel hedging program.
Delta’s GAAP net income was $425 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, for the December 2011 quarter and $854 million for 2011.
2011 results include $264 million in profit sharing expense, including $89 million…
Ok …..now practice your communication skills …. in plain English
Graham, you know, I was thinking the same thing about “plain English” although I can follow the details ‘Nan’ is trying to share with us. I believe she is saying that an alternative airline that has a good financial track record and currently is financial stable enough to invest in the St. Lucia to/from anywhere destination should be highly considered in favour of that route.
Plane (oooooppsss: pardon the pun) … plain enough for you?
good for you