PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Scores of BWIA workers at Sunjet House, Port-of-Spain, on Friday packed their belongings into boxes and walked out of the building for the last time after they were served retrenchment letters last week.

The 1,800 workers lost their jobs after BWIA prepares to shut down operations to make way for Caribbean Airlines which is expected to start flying on January 1, 2007.

On Friday, the signs of change were evident as most of the building had already been painted in white and purple - Caribbean Airlines' brand colours. Many of the workers wore gloomy faces while some wiped away tears as they left the building.

Some workers said they were heartbroken over the demise of the national airline. A flight attendant who revealed she worked at BWIA since 1998 said she was very sad to leave.

Meanwhile, those who have already secured employment with BWIA's successor are reportedly upset over details of their new contract.

BWIA ceases to exist in two weeks' time (on December 31) and Caribbean Airlines takes over on New Year's Day.