TRINIDAD & TOBAGO:
THE CABINET-appointed task force on BWIA has advised the Government to restructure the cash strapped state-owned airline over a 12-month period, an
exercise that would cost taxpayers at least US$250m or TT$1.5 billion.
Two weeks ago, Public Administration and Information Minister Dr Lenny Saith, who chairs the Cabinet Committee on BWIA, indicated Government would announce its decision on the future of the airline some time in mid to late June.
At a post-Cabinet news conference at Whitehall on June 2, Saith also said the Cabinet would undertake the "specific" recommendation of the Lok Jack committee, but he refused to say what this was.
He said the task force was asked to give more details of this recommendation.
The seven member task force, chaired by businessman Arthur Lok Jack, has, however, warned that restructuring would be the "most difficult (option) to execute." It has further warned that restructuring should only be undertaken under certain critical conditions, otherwise this would be "the worst option."
Chief among the conditions is a complete overhauling of BWIA's current management structure that would include, critically, the introduction of entirely "new leadership" with particular reference to the airline's board of directors and senior management.
