THE EDITOR, Sir:

Hoteliers and others are being disingenuous as they prod the government to pull the rug from under Air Jamaica.

Interestingly, they would like to see government use the funds allocated for Air Jamaica to be directed towards advertisements for their endeavours when crime is so rampant.

Use foreign carrier

Most visitors to the island stay at a hotel, etc., and most of them use a foreign carrier. Over the years my wife and I have come to Jamaica and we have used different airlines. Whenever we used a U.S.-based carrier, the load factor is about 85 per cent Americans while AJ is the opposite. Most Jamaicans stay with relatives on returning home. So, why would the hoteliers support something that does not benefit them?

The day the powers that be close down AJ, fares to the island would be astronomical, ask the Haitians. Expatriates as I am who go home once a year would be going every five years instead. Also, most likely I would spend the same amount of money I spent yearly. You do the math! Millions in hard currency would be lost and I don't believe the taxes government collects from the hotels could off-set such a loss.

Air Jamaica is Jamaica, home and abroad. It is a sense of pride, yes, pride for all Jamaicans. A little, developing nation, such as Jamaica does not have much, however, it has its well-known national carrier. I know AJ has a huge debt, but the Government must find a way to keep it soaring.

I am, etc.,

O. BARR

thebarrclan@aol.com

Via Go-Jamaica