Thu | Jan 17, 2019

JUTA sent packing

Published:Monday | August 18, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Alicia Lyttle (right) of Internet Income Jamaica shows Bianca Fagan how to make money using the Internet. The online entrepreneurship workshop is aimed at giving persons the skills to earn online. The workshop was held at Deanery Road, St Andrew, on Saturday. - Gladstone Taylor/Photographer

The Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (JUTA) has lost its approved concessionaire status and will no longer be operating from the Norman Manley International Airport Limited (NMIAL) as of today, because of a $28-million debt.

Last May, NMIAL issued a request for proposal of taxi service concession at the airport as JUTA, which has been operating from the facility for more than 40 years, failed to meet the eligibility criteria for the tender because of significant indebtedness to the airport operators.

"We have another taxi service on the airport and we will be having discussions to make sure the passengers and other airport clients are taken care of," said Alfred McDonald, the senior director of commercial development and planning at NMIAL.

But Noel Williams, president of JUTA, said his company, despite being served with a termination letter, has no intention to stop operating at the airport, as there has been a dispute over the amount owed.

"We are not comfortable with the letter and we are not thinking of retreating from the airport," said Williams.