Deon P. Green, Gleaner Writer

London, England:

The Jamaica Diaspora United Kingdom media spokesperson, Patsy Robert-son, has described the sale of the rights to Air Jamaica's London route to Virgin Airlines as a retrograde step.

Reacting to the report, Ms. Robertson stated: "We were not contacted on how we could help preserve the symbol of Jamaica flying into Britain; many are left wondering why the Jamaican government allows two largeBritish carriers to be operating out of Jamaica, they should have realised that that would bring problems; Air Jamaica not flying to London that's a retrograde step."

The Gleaner has learned that the final Air Jamaica flight is to depart London Heathrow on October 27, after which Virgin Atlantic Airline, which purchased the airline's air space and landing slot for an undisclosed sum, will be able to double its flights into Jamaica landing in Kingston and Montego Bay.

Tight-lipped

While the authorities in Jamaica and London have been tight-lipped over the negotiations and deal, financial woes have been deemed the main reason for the sale. In February, executive chairman of Air Jamaica Dr. Vin Lawrence disclosed that the Government is contemplating writing off US$398 million (J$24.7 billion) from US$847 million (J$52.5 billion) the airline accumulated in losses when under private ownership. At the time, it was said that the Government was considering converting US$398 million of debt that Air Jamaica owes the state into equity. The airline's financial cost is approximately seven per cent of the national debt, while the write-off being sought in February would have been equivalent to almost four per cent of the national debt.

However, Robertson said, despite the financial woes and the globalisation of economies, every country has to preserve its national heritage.

"The possibility is that they will end up charging us higher fares as that has been the trend, this is not good for Jamaica," she argued. She stressed that Jamaicans take pride in flying with their national airline and will miss the unique feature that is offered which reminds Jamaicans of home once they get on the plane at Heathrow.

Short changed

Meanwhile, Facilitators for a Better Jamaica (FFBJ) in a statement release said: "Yet again Jamaicans in the U.K. are being short-changed, first the visa fiasco and now this; yet again the question is raised where was the consultation and with whom. Not thatwe could have made a difference but it would be good to know if there was a possibility for making a difference like maybe securing the same allowance deals which was enjoyed by Jamaicans with Air Jamaica."

FFBJ added: "Jamaicans in the U.K. going back home will have a problem with the baggage al-lowance and our pride even though at the same time there needs to be a balancing act as we cannot keep flogging a dead horse."

The response from business woman Veanna Dixon, who uses Air Jamaica at least five time per year, sums up the Jamaican feeling here in the U.K. following reports of the sale.

"Oh my God, I am really disappointed, if they had even cut down on the service I could understand, but to stop it coming here, we need our own carrier," she said.