By Lindsay Mackoon, ContributorPORT-OF-SPAIN:
CONRAD ALEONG has resigned as president and chief executive officer of the state-owned airline British West Indies Airways (BWIA), Clint Williams, communications specialist, confirmed yesterday.
Aleong has been blamed for contributing to the airline's financial problems and calls mounted over the past few months for him to step down.
A statement issued by Williams said: "The BWIA board of directors today announced the resignation of Aleong as president and chief executive officer of the company."
"The board," it added, "records its deep appreciation and gratitude for service rendered by Aleong to BWIA."
Aleong was reportedly receiving a monthly salary of some US$20,000.
Following the seizure of two aircraft leased to BWIA as a result of debts running into millions, the government stepped in, brokering a deal to keep the airline afloat.
At a meeting here last week, the government assured the lessors - International Leasing and Finance Company of the United States - it would guarantee payment of some US$100 million a period of 120 days. That's the total amount owed to the leasing company.
In the meantime, the two jets impounded in Miami by agents of the leasing company have been released. The government has pumped millions into the airline over the past six months.
