CASTRIES, St. Lucia (CMC):

A former diplomat and chief air service negotiator is questioning the impact the new alliance between the regional airlines LIAT and Caribbean Star will have on the free movement of people within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Earl Huntley, who served as St. Lucia's ambassador to the United Nations, said the commercial agreement reached between the two airlines would hinder the free movement initiative as envisaged by Caribbean governments under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

The two airlines have entered into a commercial agreement and will merge their operations in May. While LIAT has not dismissed any workers as a result of the agreement, Caribbean Star has reduced its staff and the number of aircraft in its fleet.